Ritz Hospitality Magazine – Fall-Winter 2006

R ITZ H OSPITALITY Rocky Mountain Edition

Fall & Winter 2006

Golf!

Nationwide Tour Events In Boise And Salt Lake Lakeview Golf Club Opens New Greens

Native American Art

The Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery

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4 • Ritz Hospitality

Ritz Hospitality Rocky Mountain Edition

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Fall/Winter 2006

What’s Inside

features Golf

PAGE 16

Lakeview Golf Club ...................... 8 Stadler Wins Albertsons Boise Open ................................ 10 Another Birdie for Jeff Sanders Promotions ................................ 12 NBC Wins Kraft/Nabisco Shoot-Out .................................. 13 Salt Lake Valley Hosts Nationwide Tour’s Utah EnergySolutions Championship ............................ 14

Hunting & Fishing

PAGE 26

OHV Use Requires Common Courtesy and Common Sense ... 20 Coming To Colorado To Hunt ........................................ 22 Be Bear Aware ........................... 23 Hunting in Montana: Planning Is The Key To A Successful Hunt ......................... 27 Decoying Pronghorn .................. 28 Wildlife and Brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area-An Educational Guide for Hunters ... 32 Ice Fishing Primer ...................... 38 In the Heart of Pheasant Country .... 42

profiles Colorado Colorado Railroad Museum Where You Can Touch History ... 17 PAGE 36

On The Cover: Montage Photo Credits: Winter in Wyoming & ‘Trail Ruts’ Courtesy: Platte County Chamber of Commerce • Golf & Sledding photos by: Carl Scofield – Courtesy of Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce

Montana The Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery ........................... 30

Wyoming Wind River Casino ...................... 37 “The Winter Wonderland of Brush Creek Ranch” .................. 38 Prairie Wind Casino .................... 41 Wagons West ............................. 44 Saratoga ..................................... 45

sections From The Editor’s Desk .................... 6 Home Tips For Winterizing Your Sprinkler System ........................ 40 Ideas For A Haunting Halloween ................... 46 Winterizing Your Deck Made Simple .............................. 47

Travel Casa Grande, Arizona A REAL Winter Wonderland! ...... 15 It’s A Big Outdoors–Start Exploring .................................... 18 Navajo Village Heritage Center .. 21 Windmill Inns’ Top-Notch Services, Unique Amenities Generate Rave Reviews from Guests ............................... 24 Ashley Inn, An Idaho Original ..... 25 Medora, North Dakota ............... 34 Come Experience Nature and Solitude in the North Dakota Badlands! ................................... 35 Wells Dairy ................................. 43

Marketplace ..................... 48 Advertisers Index ......... 50

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 5

6 • Ritz Hospitality

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From The Editor’s Desk:

Ritz H ospitality a Ritz Family Publication

President / CEO Michael Ritz

Family

mikeritz@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Executive V.P. Operations/ Editor Robert Davis rdavis@ritzfamilypublishing.com

General Sales Manager Pat Drury pat@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Office Manager Angie Hawkins Graphics/Web Freddie Pierce freddie@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Executive Secretary Amy Gronewoller amy@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Ritz Family Publishing, Inc. www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

Corporate Office Ritz Family Publishing, Inc. 714 N Main Street Meridian, ID 83642 Sales For all sales inquiries, call toll free 1(800) 330-3482 or 1(208) 955-0124 sales@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Subscriptions For a subscription or to change your existing address, call toll free 1(800) 330-3482 or 1(208) 955-0124 info@ritzfamilypublishing.com

Printed By Idaho Press-Tribune, Nampa, ID Copyright© 2006. All rights reserved.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this publication, however, the publisher does not assume responsibility for omissions or typographical errors.

The publisher does not assume responsibility or is liable for the contents of any advertising herein. Publisher’s liability for errors in an advertisement is limited to a correct insertion in the next publication.

In the event of a misprint, the publisher must be informed of such error prior to printing of the next publication.

I

t is a part of our everyday lives. Whether it is immediate or extended, family binds us together giving a sense of belonging.

Within any family, bonding with each other is an essential part to retaining that sense of belonging. Activities such as watching or participating in sports reinforces that bond.

Golf. What once was considered to be an activity primarily enjoyed by the wealthy, retired and businessmen with expensive habits is rapidly becoming a sport for the whole family to enjoy. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters all seem to be converging to the course to chip away at the ball. In addition, more and more families are flocking to the course as spectators to watch events.

Hunting, fishing and the outdoors. The presence of fall and winter brings visions of a father and his son or daughter going on that first big game hunt. Taking in the crisp, morning air and walking through the corn fields waiting for that elusive pheasant to pop up. Perhaps it’s trying something a little different like ice fishing.

Regardless of the activity, bringing us together is what it is all about.

Truly, it comes back to what the owner, Michael Ritz, of Ritz Family Publishing once said to me: “Family is everything”.

Prior to going to press with this issue, we at Ritz Family Publishing, Inc. learned that one of our family members was leaving us. Executive Secretary, Amy Gronewoller and her husband Stu decided to head back to the Midwest to be closer to their immediate families. Amy’s departure comes as a great loss to this company. Her smiling face and spunky attitude combined with an exceptional work ethic will surely be missed. We wish them both the best in their endeavors.

As so often happens though, the end of one chapter brings about the beginning of another – and we are proud to introduce Lacie Gillespie as our new Executive Secretary. Welcome to our family, Lacie!

RH

Robert F. Davis Executive V.P. Operations / Editor E-mail: rdavis@ritzfamilypublishing.com

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Lakeview Golf Club

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akeview Golf Club, located at 4200 W. Talamore, is situated in west Meridian neighborhoods.

The 18-hole course meanders through many different subdivisions with homelined fairways that give the course a tranquil setting but an intimidating look.

Although there is Out of Bounds on every hole and water that comes into play on seven of the holes, the course is very playable for all skill levels.

With new owners as of April 2005, the course is in outstanding condition and is turning into one of the Treasure Valley’s premier public golf courses. The course has improved three of the holes on the front nine. The redesign of these holes added length, brought water more into play, added additional bunkers and three new greens.

Lakeview’s drastic improvements over a short time have been noticed by the community and the Idaho Golf Association, which selected Lakeview to host the 2006 and the 2007 Men’s State Amateur II tournaments in August.

Some of the golf course amenities include a grass tee (no mats) practice range, putting and chipping greens, and -- new as of spring of 2006 -- a practice bunker for green side and fairway shots.

After a day on the links you’ll want to visit Bogies Bar & Grill at Lakeview. A variety of options are available from a beer and a sandwich to an evening dinner of juicy Tenderloin with sautéed prawns or a meaty Halibut fillet. Whatever your palate desires, Bogies is sure to have something for you. If a top shelf

Pictured are the new greens for holes #1(top), #6(middle) and #7(bottom).

drink is in the works come and sit in the bar and enjoy the view of the lake and the ridge line view of Bogus Basin.

When the weather is fitting, the patio is

open for those who enjoy an outdoor setting. Of course, breakfast, lunch and dinner are available every day.

The Golf Shop has quality brand name equipment (Callaway, Ping Titleist, Cobra, Nike and more) in stock to deck you out and make you the envy of your four-some. If you’re not quite ready for the course or are in need of a tune up, Lakeview has golf instructors ready to help you improve your game.

Winter rates are in effect from November to March and specially-priced winter passes are available Mid-October. Regular green fee’s run $28.00 on weekends and $24.00 on weekdays from March thru October. During this time, senior and junior rates are also available during the weekdays. More information is available by calling 208888-4080.

RH

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Stadler Wins Albertsons Boise Open

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evin Stadler shot a final round 5under 66, setting a new tournament record at 20-under par, to win the 2006 Albertsons Boise Open presented by First Health. The four day tournament spanning September 14th through the 17th was again held at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. The win was Stadler’s 2nd on the Nationwide Tour this year, and catapulted him from 18th on the money list to 3rd, assuring him a spot on the PGA Tour next year. But, in the end, the win didn’t come as easily as it seemed it would after the first two rounds. Stadler had to go on a late birdie binge to hold off Glen Day for the win.

tournament record of 14-under par after two rounds. The old record of 12-under was set by Stewart Cink in 1996. First round leader Scott Dunlap, who shot a 4-under 67 to go with his opening 63, was alone in second place at 12-under par. One stroke back of Dunlap and in

who won the 1999 MCI Classic on the PGA TOUR, birdied the 10th hole to move into a tie for the lead at 17-under par. After parring holes 11 through 15, Day birdied #16 to tie Stadler again at 18-under. Day then birdied the par-3 17th to go one stroke ahead of Stadler, who was still on the 16th. As Day was getting ready to tee off on #18, Stadler birdied 16 to move into a tie again at 19under. Moments later, as Day was waiting to hit his approach to the par-four 18th, a roar came from the 17th hole.

Stadler had birdied again to move to 20under and take a one stroke lead going to the final hole. Day’s approach on 18 was just long, setting up a chip from the fringe to a back pin to try to tie Stadler.

The chip was just wide left, and he was left to watch as Stadler played the final

Stadler hoists Champions Trophy

Day tries birdie-chip on the 18th hole

Thursday On a day when the wind was down and the greens, as usual, were perfect, the scoring was great as 102 of the 156 players shot even par or better in the opening round of the tournament, with 26 of them at 4-under or better on the par 71 course at Hillcrest Country Club. Scott Dunlap went the lowest, shooting a blistering 63.

One stroke behind were Jeff Freeman and Stadler. Stadler, who played with his dad, Craig, in the 2004 Kraft/Nabisco Shoot-Out against Annika Sorenstam and Grace Park, was struggling to be among the leaders until he birdied six of his last eight holes to shoot 64.

Friday Stadler, off to the best start in the 17year history of the Albertsons Boise Open, followed up his first round 64 with a second round 64, setting a new

third place was Jamie Broce and Mario Tiziani, with Jarrod Lyle alone in fifth at 9-under and Jason Allred in sixth at 8-under. Lurking in a three–way tie for seventh place was Glen Day, who matched his opening round 67 with another in the second round. Jeff Freeman, who shared second place with Stadler after the first round, ballooned to an even-par 71 to drop to a four-way tie for tenth place. The low 60 golfers made the cut at 5-under or better.

Saturday Tiziani shot a third-round 6-under 65 to leap from three shots back to a two stroke lead going into Sunday’s final round. Second round leader Stadler struggled to a 1-under 71 and in second place alone. Day, tied for seventh after two rounds, shot a 5-under 66 to move to third place, another two strokes back of Stadler. Jay Williamson made the biggest move up the leaderboard, shooting a third-round 64 to go from a tie for 32nd to a tie for seventh.

Sunday Playing in the next to last group, Day,

Stadler sinks 4-footer to win

hole. Needing just a par to win, Stadler striped his tee shot down the middle, but pulled his approach long and left to set up a dicey putt from the fringe. The ball was sitting down a little, and his putt came up short, leaving him with a downhill, knee-knocking four-footer for par.

After a couple of looks, Stadler stroked the putt dead center for the win. Thirdround leader Mario Tiziani bogeyed the 14th hole to drop out of a tie for the lead, and couldn’t match Stadler’s and Day’s late birdie binges and finished at 15-under, good for fifth place.

This year, Stadler also won on the European Tour and finished tied for 13th in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational. The Boise Open victory was worth $117,000 out of a total purse of $650,000.

RH

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Another Birdie for Jeff Sanders Promotions

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ment company for the Albertsons Boise he only rough to be found at pel it to the next level. Jeff Sanders Open presented by First Health since its the Albertsons Boise Open Promotions utilizes its in-house sales inception in 1990 as one of the original presented by First Health was team to generate revenue to cover the members of the Ben Hogan TOUR. In the six-inch variety to the sides of ever increasing costs of producing golf addition, Jeff Sanders Promotions was the fairways and greens at Hillcrest events and then their operations team the exclusive management Country Club in Boise, Idaho. The tournament company on both the 1996 United States Amateur and itself, for the 17th time, went off without a hitch. the 1997 United States Women’s Open golf chamFrom the free-admission pionships.

Kraft/Nabisco Shoot-Out Along with producing on Monday of tournament week, to the Idaho TOUR events and NaStatesman Junior Clinic tional Championships, Jeff Sanders Promotions Tuesday and the Hershey Company Pro-Am has produced high profile Tuesday and Wednescelebrity tournaments, maday, to the conclusion jor charity events and the of the Nationwide Tour highly acclaimed regional event on Sunday, it was professional golf events in first class golf and enthe United States. tertainment throughout, Jeff Sanders Promotions’ a true community wide experience also extends event. into made for television Promoting and managgolf events. Jeff Sanding golf events should ers Promotions has procome naturally for Jeff duced the Albertsons Team Championship since 1989.

Sanders. He played competitive golf for over 30 The show airs throughout years, highlighted by the Western United States playing the PGA TOUR for fifteen weeks and from 1980-1985. Jeff boasts one of the largest chose to pursue a career first place prizes restricted in the golf event manageto a PGA Club Professionment business back in his al at $50,000.

Jeff Sanders built his hometown of Portland, company into what it is Oregon beginning in Jeff Sanders talking with Kay Cockerill of The Golf Channel, who today by focusing on the 1986. provided live coverage of the Kraft/Nabisco Shoot-Out and all 4 rounds of the Albertsons Boise Open customer. Whether a NaAfter participating at the tional Championship, highest level of profeswill execute all details making sure evcharity event, celebrity event or made sional golf, Jeff took the same dedication and commitment to excellence and ery aspect of your event is handled and for television golf tournament, Jeff applied it to his business. Since incepthat your event is produced at the highSanders Promotions is your one stop tion the company has earned a national est level while staying within budget. for complete turnkey tournament management. reputation as one of the premier orgaThey will utilize their in-house video For more information, you can reach nizations in the golf event management production facility and art department industry.

Jeff Sanders Promotions at (503) 644to produce creative and memorable 6057, or write them at: Jeff Sanders Promotions is a complete marketing pieces. golf event management company caJeff Sanders Promotions, Inc. Jeff Sanders Promotions has long pable of executing all aspects of any 5671 SW Arctic Drive standing excellent relationships with golf tournament or special event. They Beaverton, OR 97005-4153 the PGA TOUR and the United States can create a tournament from scratch or visit them online at: Golf Association. Jeff Sanders Promotions has been the tournament manageor take on an existing event and prowww.jeffsanderspromotions.com RH

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 13

NBC Wins Kraft/ Nabisco Shoot-Out

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he 2006 Kraft/Nabisco ShootOut turned out to be a Battle of the Network Stars – Golf Edition. The NBC broadcasting team of Roger Maltbie and Johnny Miller took on the CBS team of Gary McCord and Lanny Wadkins in a skins game for charity that opens every year’s Albertsons Boise Open week. It was every bit the blow out that it was expected to be … with a twist.

$32,500 in skins due to carry-overs from 15, 16 and 17 – the NBC team managed to deny the CBS team any skins. After McCord stiffed his approach to a “gimmee” distance of twelve inches and it appeared CBS would steal a victory by winning the final hole, Miller dropped his approach

winners though, as is the case every year with this event, were the charities. Maltbie and Miller earned $33,750 for the

Gary McCord with a difficult flop shot over a trap and onto the 16th green

Gary McCord, Lany Wadkins, Johnny Miller and Roger Maltbie give a pre-skins game clininc Lanny Wadkins chips onto the 12th green

The wise-cracking McCord and lead analyst Wadkins, both of whom still play events throughout the year on the Champions Tour, were expected to take on-course reporter Maltbie and lead analyst Miller, neither of whom play much of anything in the way of competitive golf, behind the woodshed and do some serious damage. The problem is that nobody told the NBC team to lie down.

From Maltbie’s birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, (the 9-hole event was played on the tournament’s back nine), through Millers birdie bomb on the 14th, the NBC team took a stranglehold on McCord and Wadkins, winning the first five skins for a total of $17,500. They even managed to quiet the ever-talkative McCord (once they got the megaphone out of his hands on the second hole of the match), a feat that Maltbie stated he had never been able to do in the 35 plus years they’ve known each other.

Even on the 18th hole – a hole worth

ten feet behind the flag stick, then watched as it spun back to stop about three feet away. While hardly a “gimmee,” Miller then calmly (on the outside, at least) stroked the putt into the center of the cup. The only thing that saved the CBS team from a total goose egg was that nobody won the last four holes. This carry-over of $32,500 in skins, with no time for a playoff, was split evenly between the two teams.

The skins game, with its free admission, pre-match clinic, and star power, is a perennial crowd favorite. The real

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Boise Police PAL, while McCord and Wadkins, with their half of the carryover, netted $16,250 for the Idaho National Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund.

RH Editors Note: Ritz Family Publishing, Inc. would like to thank Jeff Sanders, Patrick Siver, and the rest of Jeff Sanders Promotions Inc. for granting us media access to the events and for their assistance in putting this together.

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14 • Ritz Hospitality

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Salt Lake Valley Hosts Nationwide Tour’s Utah EnergySolutions Championship

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t the beginning of this golf season, there might have been an eyebrow or two raised when talking about Zach Johnson and Brett Wetterich. Oh, sure the golf cognoscenti knew of these two players. But everybody else?

The eyebrows may have stayed raised.

But today? Probably not.

While Johnson and Wetterich quietly toiled on the Nationwide Tour early in their careers, their profiles changed considerably this season.

That’s what making the U.S. Ryder Cup team will do for you.

Johnson, winner of the 2003 Utah EnergySolutions Championship, and Wetterich, who captured the same title in 2004, both qualified to represent the U.S. at the Ryder Cup at the K Club in Ireland last September. That put them on the same team as guys you may have heard of: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

And knowledgeable Utah golf fans can say they saw—and knew Johnson and Wetterich—way back when.

Johnson came into the 2003 Nationwide Tour event at Willow Creek Country Club in the midst of a career year. He’d already won earlier in the season at the Rheem Classic and would go on to set a single-season Tour record for money earned ($494,882).

In 2004, the big-hitting Wetterich took advantage of Utah’s el-

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evation to build on his 315-yard-per-drive average. He could boom it off the tee, but his four consecutive under-par rounds proved he could score, as well.

After earning his PGA TOUR card for the 2004 season, Johnson met with the media at the Bay Hill Classic to discuss the move from the Nationwide Tour to the PGA TOUR. “I would say it’s a minor transition. The biggest difference is the names on the leaderboard,” he said. “The Nationwide Tour is exceptional. It’s the second-best Tour. I think it’s still somewhat underrated.”

Underrated, perhaps. But certainly not unknown.

Each season, the best golfers in the world not on the PGA TOUR travel to Willow Creek Country Club for the Utah EnergySolutions Championship. Many of them leave the Sandy, Utah, course knowing in a few months, they’ll be playing on the PGA TOUR. From 1990 to 1996, Provo’s Riverside Country Club hosted the Utah Classic. A new management group brought the tournament back to Utah in 1999 and located it at Willow Creek, where it’s been ever since.

Just like golf fans may not have recognized Wetterich or Johnson’s names on the leaderboard in the last few years, they probably also didn’t know such luminaries as John Daly, Stewart Cink, David Duval, J.J. Henry, Tom Lehman, Chris DiMarco Vaughn Taylor, Jim Furyk and Stuart Appleby. They do now.

And all those players competed in Utah before taking their games to the PGA TOUR. Before the season began, Bill Calfee, Senior Vice President and Chief of Operations of the Nationwide Tour said, “This year promises to be the strongest and most exciting year in the 17-year history of the Nationwide Tour. The circuit has grown in stature and significance and is recognized as one of the strongest Tours in the world.”

And that’s what people have come to expect when they watch the Utah EnergySolutions Championship: top-caliber golf on one of Utah’s finest golf courses.

“There just isn’t a better setting on the Nationwide Tour than Willow Creek Country Club,” said Utah EnergySolutions Tournament Director Evan Byers. “With the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop and the lush golf course always in tremendous condition, it’s no wonder players flock here year after year.”

In September, Craig Kanada earned his first Nationwide Tour title when he held off a quartet of players for a one-stroke victory in one of the event’s most-competitive finishes—something fans have come to expect. Five of the last six tournaments have been decided by one stroke, and the other was a two-stroke win.

That’s something fans are used to by now. Nail-biters happen every year, and those lining the fairways can be certain that within a few years they’ll see someone hoisting a trophy after winning a PGA TOUR event. And they’ll think to themselves, Wasn’t he that guy who . . .Yep. RH Article courtesy of Utah EnergySolutions Championship

Rocky Mountain Edition

Casa Grande, Arizona

A REAL Winter Wonderland!

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his winter, as you are digging out from under snow drifts the size of your car, or watching yet another day of unrelenting rain, you may find yourself wishing for adventure in the sunny climate of Casa Grande, Arizona. In this community, right in the heart of Arizona, you can play golf all day, every day or see an amazing four-day Native American festival in mid-February or the Arizona State Open Chili Championship held the first Saturday in March each year, while wearing shorts and sandals.

Casa Grande is an energetic, progressive city, poised for tre-

mendous growth – yet it has retained the small-town charm and “heart” borne of the original sturdy pioneer character that built the town. This renowned community spirit is on display for visitors at the numerous multi-cultural, historical, and just plain fun festivals, two air shows annually, activities, ceremonies and events that abound in Casa Grande, primarily during the fall, winter and spring.

In addition, there is a special series of events and activities specifically created for our 55+ crowd as well as all area visitors or residents (in other words, kids of all ages) called the Winter Celebration, as it is designed to take advantage of Casa Grande’s of glorious weather. Visitors enjoy a lovely historic downtown shopping district, museums, Outlets at Casa Grande, golf courses, Skydive Arizona and much more, all year around.

The natural beauty of the low desert serves as a backdrop to this small, city with the hometown feel, which residents and visitors alike think of as the heart of Arizona. So, this year, as you bundle up to walk outside, think of Casa Grande, Arizona, a community that has retained the same small-town charm that has always made it so exceptional. – the real winter wonderland!

For additional information, contact the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, 575 N. Marshall Street, Casa Grande: 520-836-2125, 800-916-1515, www.casagrandechamber.org, e-mail chamber@cgmailbox.com.

RH

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Colorado

Photo Credit: Carl Scofield – Courtesy of Breckenridge Chamber

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12 Rooms with refrigerators & microwaves 12 movie channels Satellite TV • 7 full RV hookups 801 Main St. • Fairplay, CO (719) 836-0500 (866) 868-0500 (719) 836-7149 Fax www.southparklodge.com

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 17

Colorado Railroad Museum Where You Can Touch History

D&RGW caboose 0578, flanger OC and K-37, No. 491

Narrow gauge freight cars in siding beside museum’s mainline loop of track

D&RGW engine #683 just outside the museum building

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stablished in 1959 the Colorado Railroad Museum is one of the premier railroad museums in America. With over 96 engines, cabooses and railcars to explore it is has become a unique, nostalgic journey for young and old alike.

Nestled at the foot of Table Mesa in Golden Colorado there are 15 acres to wander and marvel. From 100 year old steam engines, antique mail cars and plush old coaches to the wonderful Galloping Goose, a small passenger car that would carry the rich from destination to destination, the museum is a journey back to a time when railroads were building our great country.

Third section of timeline exhibit, 1934-1970

Outside entry to Colorado Railroad Museum

The Colorado Railroad Museum also boasts the finest railroad history library of it’s kind, housing thousands of historical documents, photos and books. The museum has grown to not only include the library but also has a working round house, armstrong

turntable and inside exhibits that display thousands of historical railroad artifacts, photos and literature.

Bring the entire family for a fun, historical adventure you’ll never forget. Call 800-365-6263 for more information. RH

Touch history!

Where you can

Discover Colorado’s rich railroad history at the Colorado Railroad Museum. It’s a fun, historical adventure for the entire family.

Steam Train Rides (call for dates) Over 90 Engines, Cabooses & Coaches Family Picnic Area Huge HO Model Railroad Garden Railroad 17155 W. 44th Ave. Golden, CO 80403

Open 9 to 5 Daily (til 6 in summer)

303-279-4591

800-365-6263

www.crrm.org

18 • Ritz Hospitality

www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

It’s A Big Outdoors–Start Exploring

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f you consider both a location’s surroundings and activities when planning a getaway, you’re not alone.

More than 75 percent of Americans take both factors into account when choosing a spot. Yet in a country full of amazing nature destinations, it can be difficult to get information on the “perfect” place to hike, golf, camp or simply spend time in the great outdoors.

According to Synovate, Inc., a Chicago-based research firm, more than 65 percent of Americans turn to family, friends and co-workers for travel recommendations. Now there’s a new Web site from Nature Valley that makes the process of finding your next outdoor travel destination easier.

The site, known as “Where’s Yours?,” is a good resource to learn about a new

place for a favorite activity or new activity in a beloved place. The site allows the outdoor enthusiast to find all of the information he or she needs in one place. Visitors can explore locations for their next outdoor getaway or “mark the spot” of their own favorite U.S. outdoor location(s). They can review recommendations and ratings from several active outdoor experts including the U.S. Ski Team, the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) and the National Park Foundation.

“Where’s Yours?” makes it easy to research your next journey with journalstyle reviews and pictures of outdoor destinations across the country. Travelers can post their favorite nature destination by submitting a journal entry of up to 250 words, provide ratings across

four categories (beauty, value, remoteness and intensity), suggest applicable activities and post pictures.

By visiting the site, outdoor enthusiasts can also enter the “Where’s Yours?” contest for the chance to win one of four grand prize trips. Winners get to journey with three friends to any one of the many locations posted on www. wheresyours.com within the continental United States. To enter, contestants must submit an original essay (up to 250 words) describing his/her own personal favorite U.S. spot in nature. Photo submissions are optional. Contestants can enter as many times as they wish, and entries will be judged on the following criteria: creativity, authenticity and description. The contest runs through September 30, 2006.

To learn more, or for complete contest rules, visit the Web site at www.wheresyours.com. A new Web site makes it easier for travelers to find the “perfect” outdoor spot.

RH Article Courtesy of NAPSI Photo By: Jeff Cricco/CTO – Courtesy of Colorado Tourism Office

Rocky Mountain Edition

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Ritz Hospitality • 19

Enjoy A True Rocky Mountain Experience

Rocky Mountain Carriage Company ���������������������������� ������������� �����������������

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Vail Valley’s premiere horse drawn carriage services.

For more information or to make a reservation please contact us @

970.904.6198

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Experience • Qualifications Commitment As a landowner, farmer and rancher, I understand you and your needs and desires.

Paul Hancock Broker and Auctioneer

www.hancockauctionandrealestate.com Emporia (620) 279-4575 Cell: (620) 340-5692

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20 • Ritz Hospitality

www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

OHV Use Requires Common Courtesy and Common Sense • By Holger Jensen

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ff-highway vehicles (OHVs) can be a blessing or a curse to hunters.

They help disabled or handicapped hunters reach areas they couldn’t hunt before.

They help able-bodied hunters travel further afield than they could on foot. And they make it easier to carry out game.

They can also scare game, ruin the backcountry and destroy the serenity of an outdoor experience for those seeking to get away from motorized civilization.

The best thing OHV users can do to alleviate hostility to their sputtering machines is follow the rules governing their use and go beyond that to minimize their impact on other hunters. It boils down to common courtesy and common sense.

An OHV is any motorized, wheeled, or tracked vehicle designated for use off a public highway. That includes motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) quads, jeeps and other four-wheelers. They are allowed on many designated roads and trails with route markers but must obey all motor vehicles laws and other restrictions set by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or any other agencies governing the use of public land.

Most of these regulations are designed to protect the ecosystem and minimize damage to trails, campgrounds and riparian habitat. The Division of Wildlife also has hunting regulations governing firearms carried on OHVs and Colorado State Parks issues registrations.

OHV users must have a Colorado registration or valid registration or license

from another state. Out-of-state registrations are valid in Colorado for 30 consecutive days, after which a nonresident permit is required. A Colorado OHV permit is $15.25 a year. You can register at State Parks regional offices and most OHV dealers.

Hunters who plan to use OHVs this fall should remember that they are simply a means of transportation; not a method of hunting or herding game. They cannot be used in wilderness areas and can be driven off roads and trails only where allowed by the governing land management agency.

It is illegal to shoot from or use a motor vehicle, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, snowmobile or aircraft to hunt, chase, harass, or drive wildlife. It is also illegal for hunters to carry a loaded firearm (chamber or magazine), except for a handgun, on an OHV. Firearms and bows must be fully enclosed in a hard or soft case. Scabbards or cases with an open end or side are prohibited.

Other do’s and don’ts: .

— Know the OHV regulations for the area in which you are hunting and don’t ride into remote or undesignated areas.

— Stay on designated trails and roads.

Avoid sensitive areas like streambanks, meadows, sand dunes and alpine areas and don’t take shortcuts or create new trails — Use an OHV to ride from camp to a hunting spot or carry out game but

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Old Carson Inn Bed and Breakfast

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“Experience the Wilderness with the Comforts of Home.”

Full Country Breakfast 7 Rooms with Private Baths Outdoor Hot Tub Located on the Alpine Loop

8401 cnty. cr 30 • Lake City, Colorado 81235 (970) 944-2511 (800)294-0608

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don’t scout or track game from an OHV and don’t ride an OHV during prime hunti n g hours. Game moves in the early morning and evening and operating OHVs at those times scares animals and disturbs other hunters.

— Stay clear of game animals to avoid stressing them and don’t scare game when someone else is stalking or on a stand.

— Pull to the trailside and shut off your engine to let horses, hikers and bikers pass. Don’t hog the right-of-way simply because you are louder or faster than they are.

— Honor gates, fences and other barriers erected to protect livestock and don’t disturb the stock with OHVs. — Wear blaze orange, a helmet and other safety gear on an OHV. RH

Roundup Motel Phones • Color Cable TV Kitchenettes • Pets O.K.

5 Full Rv Hook-Ups W/Cable TV

365 Main St., Walden, CO (970) 723-4680 E-mail: RoundupMotel@msn.com

(866) 689-2866

www.colorado-directory.com/roundup

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 21

Navajo Village Heritage Center

W

ho are the Dine’ ? The American Southwest is home to this unique ethnic group, known as the Navajo. The second largest tribe of Indians in the United States, with the largest reservation, is the least well-known, a people of mystery.

Any attempt at research leaves one conflicted, with a multitude of discordant data.

They came to the Southwest from the north, the west, the south. They’ve been in the Southwest 12,000, no 7,000, no 500, years. They were farmers, no nomads, no herdsmen; peaceful, no warlike, no predatory. They have a rich culture; no, they have merely copied all they know from other southwest tribes.

Navajo (Spanish spelling), is a word from an extinct, likely puebloan, tribe who happened to be around when the Spanish showed up in the area. The Spanish were eager to know who claimed large fields in

cultivation—also wanting to identify the illusive group who refused to meet with them, resisted cooperation with them, were disgusted by the fact the Spanish explorers had no respect and trampled willy-nilly over their hard work and future resources.

To this extinct language-group Navajo meant “field people”, not only because of the above mentioned agriculture, but of their culture and philosophy of life. Dine’ children are taught, “You are a field, and from you will come many loved ones and relatives to honor and care for our future.”

Dine’ does not mean “the people”, as is commonly believed. It literally means “from no surface to a surface”, referring specifically to the dealings of the Holy People with their children.

Using the many gifts of Changing Woman, the Dine’ have become world renown artisans. From wedding baskets and concho belts to “Navajo” rugs recognized world-

wide, the Dine’ have this and more to offer those who want to learn. Where can you get the whole (and true) low-down? The Navajo Village Heritage Center, located in Page, Arizona, has all the answers. Why? These Dine’ are making a conscientious effort to preserve and accurately present the authentic culture, oral history, heritage and language of the Dine’. You won’t see Hollywood Indians here. This is the real deal.

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22 • Ritz Hospitality

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Coming To Colorado To Hunt Importance of Sighting-in Firearms Hunting is not a once-a-year activity. It is an outdoor passion, and takes a lifetime to hone all the skills needed.

Tops among these—marksmanship—is a skill and a prized trait held in common among bowhunters, wingshooters, waterfowlers, and rifle hunters. It is an especially important skill for an ethical hunter as it may mean the difference between a hit and a miss, or between a clean, one-shot kill and an animal suffering for a period of time. And, all it takes is practice, practice, practice!

However, all the practice you can manage to get won’t mean much if your firearms haven’t been sighted-in properly—and recently. Many factors lead to poor shooting characteristics, such as changing temperature, humidity, and altitude—and the jarring and bouncing that inevitably goes along with traveling. You can’t control the weather or terrain factors, but you can correct problems that may arise from the stress of traveling.

Sight-in your firearms as close to your hunting date as is reasonable possible. wildlife.state.co.us has an extensive list of public, private, and semi-private shooting ranges, located throughout Colorado, where you can sight-in before you hunt. Many of the private and semi-

private ranges are open to the public for special sight-in weekends—so browse wildlife.state.co.us for a list of ranges and find one that is convenient for you.

Coming to Colorado to Hunt Planning an extended trip is time-consuming and stressful. Planning a hunting trip is doubly so.

We have put together a number of planning tips, tools, and resources to help make planning for your Colorado hunting trip safe, successful, and—hopefully—stress-free!

Before leaving home, verify that you have a valid hunter education card or certificate from your home state (be sure to bring the document with you). If you do not, you may be able to take a hunter education CRASH course to coincide with your hunting trip. Be sure, too, to review Colorado’s regulations regarding wearing daylight fluorescent orange clothing.

Restrictions for transporting firearms by air should be reviewed carefully; visit the Web pages of the Transportation Security Administration or read the ATF’s guidelines. Since transportation can change alignment, you’ll want to sight-in once you arrive; we offer an extensive list of shooting ranges across Colorado that can accommodate you.

Many hunters bring off-highway, all-

terrain vehicles. A review of regulations and permits for these can be found at the Colorado State Parks Registration Unit pages. There is a link to a registration application you can submit beforehand!

Or, if you will be bringing a more ‘basic’ mode of transportation—a horse or mule—to help with the hunt, you will want to learn about health regulations for bringing one into the state.

These highlights of available huntplanning resources are only a sampling.

To read about all of them, visit wildlife. state.co.us. Be sure to contact any Division of Wildlife office if you need further assistance. And, good luck with your hunt!

RH Article Courtesy of Colorado Division of Wildlife

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Approx. 23 Miles From Breckenridge Ski Resort (719) 836-2026 (877) 306-3037 Fax: (719) 836-0758

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• 29 Large Rooms • 10 RV Spots • Hot Tub • Free Wireless High Speed Internet • Continental Breakfast

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Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 23

BE BEAR AWARE

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tarting in early August, bears enter “hyperphagia,” a physiological state in which they must eat enormous amounts to prepare their bodies for winter hibernation. Biologists estimate that bears must consume 20,000 calories per day to build their stores of body fat to sustain them through hibernation. The primary food sources are oak brush acorns and choke cherries. This is also the time of year bears will try to find the easiest source of food available.

Officers with the Colorado Division of Wildlife are reminding homeowners that it’s especially important at this time of year to take care not to attract bears with garbage or other food sources. Because black bears in Colorado are eating large amounts of food to prepare for winter hibernation, people might see more bears in the woods or near their homes during the next couple of months.

While bears eat meat, they are not predators in the same sense that mountain lions are.

They are capable predators and occasionally kill livestock and other animals. However, 90 percent of their diet is vegetarian. The 10 percent of their diet that is carnivorous consists usually of insects and carrion.

Black bear attacks on humans are extremely rare and when they do happen, RH they are usually provoked.

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STERLING MOTOR LODGE Clean & Comfortable For Reservations:

(970) 522-2740 731 North 3rd St. Sterling, CO 80751

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Courtesy of: Colorado Division of Wildlife

The Stage Stop

The Turntable Restaurant & Motel

www.riversedgebccaz.com • Ammo • Shooting Supplies • Black Powder • Live Bait • R.V. Supplies • Antiques • Ice • Pop & Ice Cream Also home of Mrs. Smith’s Thrift Shop

Exit 244

School House Road

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Exit 242

Located at River’s Edge R.V. Park 18801 School House Rd.

Hours Tues. - Sun. • 8am - 5pm

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6 days a week 7 am-9 pm Sun 7 am-1:30 pm Motel Resv: (970) 827-4268 Restaurant: (970) 827-4164 160 Railroad Ave. Minturn, CO 81645 Award Winning Green Chili Homemade Food

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Hunting & Fishing Licenses Available

Black Canyon City

62 spotless rooms at painless prices. Where tourist and locals meet for breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Enjoy our miniature railroad and life like statues of Elvis Presley & Marilyn Monroe.

Bait and Tackle

623-374-0252 Steve & Carol Phillips

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24 • Ritz Hospitality

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Windmill Inns’ Top-Notch Services, Unique Amenities Generate Rave Reviews from Guests

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ou know you’re doing something right when guests say their only disappointment is not finding your hotels everywhere they travel.

The Scottsdale-based group of six hotels—three in Roseburg, Ashland, and Medford, Ore., and three in Surprise/ Sun City, Chandler, and Tucson, Ariz.— Is earning rave reviews from guests who have experienced Windmill Inns & Suites’ spotless guestrooms and public areas, top-notch service and highly affordable rates. Guest satisfaction is so high that many patrons take the time to not only fill out comment cards, but to write glowingly of their experience.

“Our hallmark has always been great rates; sincere, friendly service; and roomy, clean accommodations,” said Windmill Inns & Suites President and

C.E.O John Cauvin, a 30-year hotel veteran who in 1984 purchased the then-struggling Windmill Inns in Medford and Roseburg and within a year turned them into highly successful, profitable properties—and has since built four more.

“It’s incredibly satisfying to have people tell us personally, in the lobby or at the front desk, that they’ve enjoyed their stay,” Cauvin said. “But when they take the time to write to us about how much they enjoyed the experience... well, that’s very special and meaningful to us. It tells us that all the hard work we put into delivering great service, clean accommodations and desired amenities—all at affordable rates—is being rewarded.”

At Windmill Inns, those amenities include free Continental breakfast, free local calls (and free access to long-distance calls), free daily newspapers for each guest, and free parking. Cauvin points out that some of these amenities are also offered at other hotels, so he’s implemented an amenity program that goes above and beyond the typical hotel offerings.

For example, all six Windmill Inns & Suites allow pets to stay—for free; all make bicycles available for free; all make available free lending libraries and free games for children; and all offer high-speed Internet access—for free—as well as access to free help-desk assistance, should the need arise, via a toll-free phone number. And there’s even a bonus included in the free Continental breakfast—guests can even make their own waffles!

“We’ve always tried to do things that set us apart from our competitors and provide more satisfaction for our guests,” Cauvin said. “That’s been our philosophy for more than 20 years, and we’ve instilled it in our staff culture and emphasized it in our ongoing staff-training programs. We believe in it thoroughly, and that is why we’re proud to offer guests our unique, 110 percent guarantee of satisfaction.”

RH

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 25

An Idaho Original

By Kirstin DeRoos

V

isiting the Ashley Inn feels like “coming home”.

This family owned inn is only three years old and a labor of love by the owners, Ashley and Katrin Thompson. Located in Cascade, just 90 minutes north of Boise, the world is yet to discover this Idaho gem.

“We are overwhelmed and humbled by the response from our guests”, states Ron Lundquist, General Manager.

“They tell us that as soon as they walked in the doors, it reminded them of being in a quaint inn somewhere in Europe.”

Each morning guests awake to the enticing aroma of the fresh breakfast buffet which includes Belgium waffles, biscuits & gravy and cheese omelets. They can enjoy their breakfast beside the fireplace in the Cascade Room.

Not far from the beaten path, you’ll find the village of Cascade, Idaho’s long kept secret outdoor paradise.

Cascade offers magnificent snowmobile riding without the crowds. Nordic and Alpine skiing are offered at nearby Tamarack and Brundage Mountain. Ice fishing on Lake Cascade is very popular.

Guests of the inn can enjoy snowshoeing, directly from their front door, along the Payette River, where they can track wildlife trails and enjoy the fresh crisp mountain air.

Many guests enjoy venturing into the nearby national forest for a visit to area hot springs. Some have been improved into vast soothing pools, others are nestled in serene natural settings just a quick drive from the front door of the Ashley.

You’ll get a flavor of Idaho when you jump on the hay wagon to feed the wild Idaho elk in their own habitat. Be sure to bring your

camera to preserve those special memories.

After a full day of winter fun, every looks forward to enjoying hot cookies while curling up beside the fireplace in their guestroom. They may relax in the heated pool and spa.

Filled with tea cups, artwork, florals, soft music, warm woods & warm hearts, the Ashley Inn truly is an Idaho original, perfect for visitors of the Idaho Payette River Mountains.

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26 • Ritz Hospitality

www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

Montana

Photo Courtesy of H. Heaton

Red Trail Campground

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Family Owned and Operated for Over 25 Years May 15th - Sept. 30th FREE WI-FI Owners: Jerry & Betty Golberg Mary Schneider 250 E. River Rd. So. Medora, ND 58645 (800) 621-4317

Ken’s Tire Service Doug Seader • Owner

• Farm & Field Service • 24-Hr. Interstate Service • Wheel Alignment • Nortron Spin Balancing

Phone: (406) 665-2122 After Hours: (406) 665-3723

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Ennis RV Village All New Facilities Extra Large Pull Thrus Full Hook-ups Near Historic Virginia City

Toll Free: 866-682-5272 1 Mile N. Of Ennis On Hwy. 287

323 N. Cheyenne • Hardin, MT 59034

Open: April - Nov. www.ennisrv.com

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 27

Hunting in Montana Planning Is The Key To A Successful Hunt Where to Start Whether hunting public or private land the successful hunter will spend time scouting an area and talking with locals to identify good hunting opportunities and establish personal relationships.

The first thing you will need is a good set of maps. Fishing, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) publishes the Directory of Montana Maps which provides a listing of all agency and local government contacts where you can find land ownership information. Also, contact the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service , the US Geological Survey , or a local sporting goods store for a map of the area you intend to hunt. Land ownership changes over time. It’s a good idea to verify public ownership with your local land management agency. You can also verify public and private land ownership on the web through the Montana Dept. of Administration Cadastral Mapping Project.

Montana Hunter Access Laws All hunters should have a good understanding of Montana’s access laws.

The law requires every hunter to have permission from the landowner, les-

see or agent before hunting on private property regardless of whether the land is posted or not. It is every hunter’s responsibility to know the land ownership of the area he intends to hunt and any land use restrictions that may apply there.

Montana Outfitters and Guides

naturalists, and historians whose knowledge and infectious love of the outdoors will add immeasurably to your vacation.

Outfitters and guides receive extensive training and your safety is their primary concern. Montana outfitters and guides offer a variety of activities. Outdoor adventures include fly-fishing, hunting, fishing, big game hunts and much, much more. Many outfitters and guides offer you the option of customizing your vacation.

For more information contact Montana Fishing, Wildlife and Parks at (406) 4442535 or visit http://fwp.mt.gov RH Information courtesy of Montana Fishing, Wildlife & Parks

1006 S. Haynes Ave. • Miles City 59301 Exit 138 Off I-94 For Reservations locally (406) 874-3550

Let a Montana outfitter help find your space under the Big Sky. Licensed outfitters and guides are more than outdoor recreation professionals. They are native biologists, botanists, geologists,

• 49 SPACIOUS ground floor rooms • Color Cable TV with remote control including HBO • Queen Size Beds in every room • Non-Smoking & Smoking Rooms.

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Your Host: Sunny

MILK RIVER OUTFITTERS “The Best Little Motel in Billings” Toll Free Reservations (888) 544-9358 2601 4th Avenue North Billings, MT 59101 Phone: (406) 245-6646 Fax: (406) 245-9358

Hunt the Milk River as seen on RealTree Outdoors Eric Albus (Outfitter #2940) Box 35 Hinsdale, MT 59241

• Antelope • Mule Deer• White Tail Deer • Bird Hunts �������������� ���������������������������

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Decoying Pronghorn

A highly effective tactic, often overlooked.

T

he first morning of the hunt dawned cloudy and cool, with just enough rain to wet down the dust. As we approached the hunting area, we started to see pronghorn: at first just does, fawns and small bucks in the ten to thirteen inch range (“padinkers” as Cal calls them). However, we also started seeing fresh rubs on the road indicative of several larger dominant bucks in rut using the area.

The conditions of the hunt specified that hunting was to be done using a decoy to lure the animal to the hunter. Decoying pronghorn was a hunting method I knew almost nothing about. The challenge of the unknown, and the promise of actively going to the pronghorn attracted me to the method (that, and I tend to get bored and fidgety in a bind) While glassing from a hilltop, we spotted a buck about a mile and a half away, chasing a smaller buck. We moved to a point about three quarters of a mile from the buck, where we could get a better view. As we watched, the buck proceeded to chase another smaller satellite buck away from his harem. Prior to returning to his does, he went through a complete ritual of scrape making; thrashing the sagebrush with his horns and pawing the ground. After looking the buck over, Cal asked if I wanted to go after him. Based on the size of his ears, we estimated the length of his horns at 14 inches; not especially long, but he had very symmetrical horns, long, prongs, and thick horn bases; all signs of a trophy pronghorn.

We had only been hunting for about 30 minutes, and he was the first mature buck we had seen, but I elected to go after him anyway (a decision I was later very glad I made).

The wind was quartering towards us, good for a stalk, but about seventy-five cows, and a small Mule Deer buck between the pronghorn and us blocked a direct stalk. While we watched, the buck and his does bedded down, so we felt confident that they would stay in the area for a while. After looking over the area where the buck and his harem were bedded, we thought we could avoid the cows and deer, and approach to within

150 yards of them by using a small creek bed. By stalking about a quarter of a mile further away from the pronghorn here, we were able to reach the creek bed undetected. We spent the next hour working our way along the one-mile distance along the creek between the buck and us.

As we approached the area where we had last seen the herd, we had to cross a broad dry wash that fed the creek bottom we were in. When we were in the middle of the dry wash, Cal spotted the herd moving diagonally toward us. We dropped and crawled/duck walked back the way we had come, to a point where we hoped to intercept the pronghorn.

Cal carefully peeked up through the grass at the edge of the wash, the buck and his does had rebedded in a flat about 125 yards from where we crouched on the edge of the creek bed.

My instructions from Cal were to crouch behind and slightly to one side of him. He would keep track of the bucks distance from us, and when he signaled, I was to rise and shoot. Cal unfolded his decoy, and with me behind him, Danced the decoy up out of the creek bed as to imitate a satellite buck coming from having a drink. As soon as the buck saw the decoy he was on his feet and heading towards us at a fast walk. Cal kept me informed as the buck was 100, then 75, and then 50 yards from us. When the buck was at 35 yards at our one o’clock position, he started to get suspicious.

Cal gave me the go-ahead for the shot, and in what felt like one motion, I stood, came to full draw, aimed and released.

My pronghorn hunt had only lasted two and a half hours.

The art of decoying Pronghorn differs from the decoying of other game species. Typically, when we as hunters attempt to decoy the animals we hunt, we are appealing to an animal’s social nature. When decoying Pronghorn, we appeal to the animal’s territorial nature to stimulate a dominant bucks urge to guard his does, specifically during the period of the rut. Decoying Pronghorn is most easily done with two hunters working as a team, one hunter who

works the decoy and acts as spotter, and a second hunter who is the actual archer. Camouflage should be worn by both hunters, but is especially important for the hunter who is the archer, since the other hunter is hidden by the decoy.

Good camouflage patters for hunting antelope include predator, desert, or similar patters in tans, light browns, or grays.

The success of the decoy method relies on the territorial nature of dominant bucks during the rut. Pronghorn bucks that come to the decoy are the dominant bucks that are generally also the largest.The actual hunting involved carefully glassing the county from the hilltops looking for distant bucks. Once a candidate animal is spotted, the hunters stalk as close as practical to where the buck was spotted using both natural cover, and the decoy to hide from the pronghorn’s sharp eyes. What should the hunter be looking for to determine whether a particular buck might decoy? That question was posed to Cal Thornberg of Cat Track Outfitters in Forsyth, Montana. Cal has been decoying Pronghorn since 1986, and has successfully brought in over 100 animals to bow hunters. The first thing Cal looks for is to see if bucks are in the rut. Typically this is done by driving or walking through the hunting area looking for fresh rubs on roads and trails. The rutting period for Pronghorns usually starts in late August and goes through late September, depending on the area.

Pronghorn bucks will make rubs using their horns and front feet, to mark their territory, and display their dominance.

Once it has been determined that the bucks are walking through the hunting area looking for herds of does, the hunter needs to position himself near the herd. Decoying Pronghorn is an active form of hunting, and the hunter should be prepared to walk up to 10 or more miles in a day.

Once a herd of does, either with or without a herd buck in attendance is spotted, the first thing to do is find a spot where the hunter can observe without being observed. A good pair of binoculars

Rocky Mountain Edition

(preferable at least 8X) is a must, and a spotting scope should also be carried.

A herd being attended by a breeding buck will generally only contain does and fawns, though other smaller satellite bucks may be observed within a few hundred yards of the does. If a herd is located, but no herd buck is immediately observed, the herd should be watched to see whether a herd buck joins the does.

The length of time spent watching to see whether a herd buck will appear varies, but the buck might be absent for periods of an hour or more. During the rut, much of a herd buck’s time is spent, chasing rival and satellite bucks away. It is specifically this desire to drive away other bucks that is the key to successfully decoying a buck. Additional, it is typically the larger dominant bucks that control a herd and therefore respond to decoying.

As a result, decoying is an effective and exciting way for the bow hunter to take a trophy animal. In addition to actually seeing a herd buck chase a rival or satellite bucks away, other signs that a buck is in rut are to observe him pawing the ground, and scraping either the ground or brush with his horns.

As with any other large game hunting, it is important that the hunter remain undetected by the quarry being sought.

Decoying antelope is only done during archery season, so the hunter will ideally close to less than 40 yards prior to a shot being taken. (Decoying of antelope should never be done during a firearm season, even if on private land, since the possibility of another hunter mistaking the decoy for a live Pronghorn could result in the decoying hunter being shot.)

In the case of Pronghorn, who have 6X eyes, first and foremost, every effort must be taken to remain unseen. However, Pronghorn also have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, so the hunter must stay aware of wind direction and noise. Additionally, the hunter must always be on the lookout for other animals in the area, which might spook and give the hunter away. In many areas, cattle can be especially troublesome, since they may either run from or to the hunter, giving them away in either case.

Ritz Hospitality • 29

Once a buck has been spotted who has displayed some or all of the signs of being in rut, the hunter must get into a position from which the buck can be decoyed, without being detected. Ideally, the hunter should close the distance to the buck to approximately 100 to 150 yards before the decoy is shown. Alternately, the hunters wait until the buck leaves his does to chase a rival buck away. While the buck is preoccupied, the hunters place themselves between the does and the buck in order to spook the does into moving away from the direction the buck went. In either event the decoy is erected and set to look like a rival buck. In the case of a buck with his does, once the buck sees the decoy, he will either attempt to run off the rival, or will drive his does away and leave himself. If the buck is absent when the hunters set up, the returning buck will see a rival where his harem is supposed to be, and believing that the rival has taken his does, will attempt to regain them.

When decoying pronghorn, shots typically range from 10 to 60 yards, with the average shot being about 30 yards. Cal reports that the closest he has had a buck come up to the decoy is about 3 yards, in which case the archer has to draw,

aim, and fire in 3 seconds from a kneeling position. Due to the extremely open nature of the county in which pronghorn are hunted, ranges can be very difficult to judge accurately. To overcome the obstacle of accurately, judging distances to the animal, the decoy operator should act as a spotter using a range finder, giving distance to the shooter.

We didn’t realize just how good the buck I shot was until we got up to him.

Though his horns were not especially long (just over 14 inches), they were extremely thick and symmetrical. After the required 60-day drying period he lost only 1/8 point on deductions and his net score was 77-5/8 P & Y, a beautiful trophy.

An added pleasure of decoying pronghorn comes from the true partnership involved in successfully taking an animal.

The partnership makes decoying a great way for friends, spouses, or parents and children to share the joy and challenge hunting pronghorn.

Anyone interested in a top quality pronghorn, turkey, deer or waterfowl hunt should contact Cal Thornberg at 406-347-5499.

Remember Antelope archery licenses are guaranteed in Montana and the deadline is June 1st every year.

RH

Cat Track Outfitters

“We aim to please, you aim too please” plan early for 2007, because of dates and early application deadlines.

• Agates • Deer • Antelope • History • Birds • Working Ranch Vacations

Family Owned and Operated with a great Family Atmosphere, on the Lower Yellowstone River in Eastern Montana.

Cal & Karla Thornberg

123 Thurlow Rd. Rosebud, MT 59347

Phone: (406) 347-5499 Cell: (406) 853-1147

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The Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery

I

n the past when someone heard the phrase “Native American Art” they immediately thought of Southwestern Native Art, such as : silver and turquoise jewelry, pots, and Navajo rugs.

The new thought will also include Northern Plains Art, beadwork quillwork, rawhide, and traditional Native American attire. Thanks to the Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery recently opened in Browning, Mt. on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation located at the East entrance of Glacier National Park.

The Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery was created by transforming the 6000 square foot former studio of the renowned bronze artist Bob Scriver into a beautiful showcase of Native American Indian Art and Culture.

The Center includes fine art such as paintings, and sculpture as well as traditional art objects from the Northern Plains tribes including beadwork, and clothing.

The Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery is a versatile display of the res-

ervations past including in its exhibits a complete skeleton of a 3 year old Tyrannosaur found on the Blackfeet Reservation. The skeleton is over 73 million years old and is the smallest and most complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaur ever found in North America.

The Gallery also features art produced by award winning Native American painters, sculptors, and print makers. The main Gallery features traditional art from the Northern Plains, included are beaded, and quilled items such as pipe bags, purses, clothing, and jewelry items. Traditional painted hides, rawhide work, dolls, and drums are also available. Complimenting the Northern Plains art Southwest items featured include jewelry and pottery.

The Blackfeet Nation Store was created along with the Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery. Accessible at www. blackfeetnationstore.com, the store offers the convenience of shopping for authentic Native American Art of the highest quality right from your home. The web-site also offers several links to other areas of inter-

est on the Blackfeet Reservation, Glacier National Park, as well as Waterton International Peace Park in Alberta, Canada.

The Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery and the Blackfeet Nation Store are ever striving to promote the art and culture of not only the Blackfeet people of the Northern Plains, but also the tribal culture, art and heritage of Native Peoples throughout North America.

Plan a trip today to the visit the Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery. Visit us at www.blackfeetnationstore.com; for more information on other sites of interest on the Blackfeet Reservation including the Museum of the Plains Indian adjacent to the gallery, Las Vegas style gambling at Glacier Peaks Casino, and cultural tours of the reservation.

The Blackfeet People also invite you to North American Indian Days a pow-wow held annually on the second weekend in July, walking distance from the Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery.

Its a trip you’ll never forget!

RH

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located in the Adirondack Mountains of NY State

P.O. Box 369 Augusta, MT 59410

open mid-May to mid-October

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Gates Of The Mountains From Helena Take Interstate 15 North 16 miles, turn off on Gates of the Mountains Exit #209 and proceed to tour center at the end of the road.

Gates Of The Mountains P.O. Box 478 Helena, MT 59624 Call (406) 458-5241 www.gatesofthemountains.com

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 31

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Wildlife and Brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area ~An Educational Guide for Hunters~

Provided by the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee (GYIBC)

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hat is Brucellosis?

Brucellosis is a contagious disease caused by bacteria called Brucella abortus. This disease infects domestic animals, wildlife and humans worldwide. In the United States, the primary livestock carriers of the disease historically have been cattle. The only wildlife populations known to be infected with Brucella abortus in the United States are the elk and bison in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Some feral swine populations, and caribou and reindeer in Alaska are known to be infected with a type of brucellosis caused by a similar bacteria, Brucella suis.

Although rare, brucellosis can also infect humans and is called undulant fever, Malta fever or Mediterranean fever. Once a person is infected, the disease can affect any organ or organ system of the body.

How Do People or Animals Get Brucellosis?In ungulates (hoofed animals), such as cattle, bison and elk, the animal becomes infected after ingesting or eating the Brucella organism.

The organism is shed in birthing tissues and fluids, especially before, during or soon after an animal aborts or delivers live young. An elk that encounters an aborted elk fetus will instinctively sniff, lick and/or eat the infected reproductive tissues thus infecting itself.

People may become infected with brucellosis by coming in contact with infected animals and their reproductive tissues. The bacteria can enter the body through ingestion, contact with mucous membranes (e.g. eyes), through an open wound, or rarely through intact skin. People who drink unpasteurized milk, or eat other dairy products

that are unpasteurized, are at the highest risk for getting the disease. Other people at high risk include livestock handlers, slaughter industry workers and veterinarians. If properly cooked, meat from infected animals is NOT a health risk to humans.

Infected bison and elk may be a health risk for hunters who either improperly handle the carcasses or are exposed to birth tissues. The risk is greatest when handling infected females during their last half of pregnancy (e.g. FebruaryJune). There have been two confirmed cases of hunters contracting undulant fever from elk in the GYA, both in Madison County in southwest Montana.

What Are the Signs of Animals Infected With Brucellosis?

In the field, elk and bison usually do not show any obvious signs of having brucellosis. After an animal becomes infected with the bacteria, the incubation time (the time between exposure to the bacteria and the beginning of symptoms) varies depending on how much exposure the animal had, whether or not they have been previously vaccinated, the species, age, sex and stage of pregnancy. Following a short infection, the bacteria usually collects in the udder and/or lymphatic system and, depending on the stage of pregnancy, in reproductive tissues. Abortion is a symptom of brucellosis. Other symptoms include retained placenta, reduced milk production, weak calves, lameness, swollen joints, swollen testicles and reduced ability of females to become pregnant.

What Happens to People Infected With Brucellosis?

People infected with brucellosis can have many different symptoms such

Rocky Mountain Edition as weakness, lethargy, anorexia, fatigue, body aches, sweats and mental inattention. Other symptoms might include fever, swollen lymph nodes and occasionally an enlarged liver and/or spleen. Symptoms usually begin 2-3 weeks after a person becomes infected.

In about one half of cases, the symptoms appear right after infection, while in other cases, symptoms develop over several weeks or months.

In people, brucellosis can affect any organ or organ system. Bones and joints are commonly involved and the lower spinal cord (the spine itself does not swell) often swells and is painful.

Infected people can also suffer from painful, swollen joints in the shoulder, knees or hips. People rarely die from brucellosis. Life threatening conditions include infection of the heart valves or the brain. However, these cases are rare.

What Areas In Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming Are Considered the GYA? Figure by U.S. Geological Survey As a Big Game Hunter In The GYA, How Can I Avoid Becoming Infected With Brucellosis?

The chance of a hunter becoming infected with brucellosis is very small, especially if he or she uses precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and gloves, using care with sharp instruments and washing thoroughly after handling animal tissues. It is important for hunters to use gloves and other barriers when handling the carcasses of bison or elk. Disposable latex gloves are cheap, easy to find and easy to carry.

They also make cleaning up after field dressing the animal much easier. Latex gloves should be included in your bag of �hunting essentials�.

In addition, when field dressing game, hunters should prevent their open wounds or mucous membranes from coming into contact with blood, reproductive tissues or other fluids from harvested game. Hunters should also avoid handling the reproductive tract or fetuses. And, as a general rule, hunters should not handle or eat animals that appear sick, regardless of the cause.

What Is Being Done To Prevent And Eliminate Brucellosis?

Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are all committed to eliminating brucellosis

Ritz Hospitality • 33 from their wildlife populations. Some of the ways that the states are trying to deal with the disease include: ~ Vaccinating- Vaccines are being tested on wild animals to determine how effective they are in preventing animals from getting the disease. Elk are vaccinated in Wyoming. ~ Habitat improvements- By using prescribed burns and other habitat improvement techniques, state and federal wildlife agencies are trying to improve the quality of habitat along the summer/winter migration routes of elk.

These improvements can encourage elk to leave their winter ranges earlier and spread out from each other. When elk are more spread out, they are less likely to be in contact with aborted fetuses, which is a major source of infection. ~ Separation of cattle and elk during the winter- Because most abortions occur during the winter and early spring, managers try to keep cattle and wildlife separated during this time so that cattle do not become infected. This helps prevent cattle from coming in contact with aborted fetuses. ~ Increased agency cooperation and public information and education- In 1995, the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee was formed. The committee is made up of several state and federal agencies that deal with brucellosis issues. The Committee works to share up-to-date research and management information between agencies and with the public.

Who Do I Contact If I Have Additional Questions Or Concerns About Brucellosis?

The Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee’s website has several related documents and links to other brucellosis sites: • http://www.nps.gov/gyibc/ Additional information, regarding Brucellosis, is available through the following agencies: Idaho Department of Fish and Game: • http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/fishgame.html Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks: • http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/ Wyoming Game and Fish Department: • http://gf.state.wy.us/ RH

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(406) 686-4778 311 Miles Street • Clyde Park, MT

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White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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34 • Ritz Hospitality

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MEDORA, NORTH DAKOTA • IT’S LEGENDARY!

M

edora is always welcoming visitors year around.

Experience the West like Theodore Roosevelt and Marquis de Mores.

Climb a clay butte and see the beauty of nature in geological deposits millions of years old.

Walk through Theodore Roosevelt National Park where you can stand in the breeze and fill your lungs with pure, clear country fresh air--every day. Experience the changing seasons and learn about the various types of plant life available. You can also enjoy and see over 70 species of birds. There are bighorn sheep, elk, deer, antelope and other wild animals.

See the living canvass painted daily by nature. Feel the glow of a warm sun. Relax beneath a clear sky filled with stars. Enjoy night vision illuminated by a full moon. Hear the howl of distant coyotes. Coo with the night owls. Get in touch with the quiet while getting in touch with yourself--all while living the North Dakota legend!

meeting rooms and social events. Your successful gathering is only a phone call away (701-623-4829).

Medora, a place for FALL visits: Nature continues to mature as foliage changes and the harvest

Bison enjoy the Little Missouri River during this early fall picture.

The bison are just one of many species of wild animals that can be seen year around in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Medora is the gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The TRNP Visitors Center is open daily and is one of six museums in Medora.

Odermann Communications Company Photo, James Odermann Artist

Artist Marsha Njos Lehmann works on a piece of artwork she is completing during the annual Cowboy Christmas, held the first weekend in December. Many artisans perform and display their work throughout the year in Medora. Contact the Medora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 701-623-4829 for dates of such activities.

Odermann Communications Company Photo, James Odermann Artist

We have facilities that are open year around. These facilities include the latest technology for video conferencing, banquets,

dominates. Witness the roundup of cattle from the badlands.

Take in the Wildlife Feed, a smorgasbord of game harvested in Billings County. It is also time for hunting seasons, which include elk, upland game and deer. The canvass of the landscape undergoes a color change in preparation for winter!

Medora, the stillness of the WINTER landscape: The natural beauty gets coated with snow and life continues.

Participate in an old fashioned Cowboy Christmas--a two-day celebration featuring sleigh rides, Christmas dinner, artisans, winter fireworks, music and many other exciting activities. Outdoor fun includes sledding, snowmobiling, cross country, skiing.

Let your imagination run free!

If you cannot get here in the fall or winter, consider a visit in the spring or summer. We will help you create memories to relish and share with family and friends for a lifetime.

Medora is a place for all seasons: create memories and enjoy a legendary destination.

RH

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 35

Come Experience Nature and Solitude in the North Dakota Badlands!

C

USTER’S COTTAGE in MEDORA, NORTH DAKOTA is located close to the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which many say is the best kept secret of the National Parks. If you’re looking for solitude, you’ll find it here. We also have one of the most challenging singletrack trails in the nation for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The narrow track of the MAAH DAAH HEY TRAIL, combined with extreme, constant elevation changes offers a supreme ego trip to the conditioned mountain biker, and NORTH DAKOTA BADLANDS scenery unlike any other. There are fantastic opportunities to view many species of wildlife in their natural habitat and the area is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers too. Annual bird counts in the National Park often sight 50 to 60 different species within one hour.

If you’re not drawn to the challenge of the 100 mile Maah Daah Hey Trail, there are several shorter, less vigorous trails inside and outside the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Little Missouri River runs northward through the Park and offers canoers a great trip in times of high water. We have canoes to rent (we recommend advance reservations) and we also shuttle canoers or mountain bikers. For the History lovers, Theodore Roosevelt National Park Visitor Center offers plenty of history on “Teddy” and his North Dakota Badlands ranches.

If your idea of a great vacation is to curl up with a good book,

our local bookstore has become known as one of the best for western history. Visitors arrive in abundance during the summer months, however the locals feel the spring, fall and winter seasons are the most inviting. Temperatures are more moderate during spring and fall, and our clear star-studded nights offer outstanding opportunities for star gazing!

The avid hunter will find endless bow hunting challenges provided by the rugged Badlands terrain, and many hunters are drawn to the Badlands during deer gun season in the quest for that trophy mount. If you’re eager for a different challenge, bring your team (employees, friends etc.) out to experience the high ropes challenge at Badlands Ministries just south of Medora.

RH We’ll all offer you a hearty North Dakota welcome!

36 • Ritz Hospitality

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Wyoming

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Where locals send visiting RV’ers. We Built Our business on reliable service and satisfied customers.

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4712 S. Douglas Hwy Gillette, WY

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Rocky Mountain Edition

C A S I N O

U

ntil now, the area around Riverton, Wyoming has been best known for its bountiful natural treasuresrugged mountain ranges for hiking and camping, and abundant wildlife that make it a sportsperson’s dream vacation spot. Today, visitors have another reason to visit the heart of Western Wyoming- the pure gaming excitement available 24 hours, seven days a week at Wind River Casino, one mile south of Riverton on Highway 789.

Operated by the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming, Wind River Casino is the only facility of its kind it the region. In recent years, it has grown from a classic bingo parlor into a thriving establishment that boasts over 400 gaming machines, Blackjack tables with bets starting from $3 to $500 per hand and live Bingo is from Wednesday through Sunday. “We’ve worked hard to bring in the most popular electronic games, from manufacturers like IGT, Bally, Williams and Aristocrats.

Wind River Casino bills itself as the place “where the winners play”. Guests can enjoy Vegas style games including Triple Stars, Cleopatra II, Double Diamonds, Draw Poker, Burning 7s and more. The casino also holds regular giveaways for cars, cash and other prizes.

It also makes a pleasant rest stop if you’re traveling to or from one of Wyoming’s famous national parks. We’re on the way to anywhere,” says Conrad. Road-weary visitors can look forward to a quick bite to eat at the casino’s full service 24 hour café.

The casino is also close to a number of hotels and RV parks.

If you visit Riverton in the coming months, you may be surprised by what you find. This fall, the tribe begins construction on a new 44,000 square foot facility, to be located on a bluff above the Wind River just about a mile from the existing casino. The first phase should be complete sometime in Fall 2007. Also on tap is a 5,200 square foot bingo parlor and entertainment center.

In the meantime, the staff at Wind River Casino wants your next trip through Wyoming to be the most exciting ever. Says Jim Conrad, “We’re always looking for even bigger ways for RH our guests to win.”

Ritz Hospitality • 37

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“The Winter Wonderland of Brush Creek Ranch”

T

ucked away on the western slopes of south-central Wyoming’s Snowy Range, you will find the serenity of Brush Creek Ranch. The Caldwell family has owned this 6,000-acre working cattle ranch, bordering the Medicine Bow National Forest, since the 1950’s. It now operates as a western guest ranch during the summer and fall, and as a snowmobile destination during the winter and spring.

With a trail system of over 300 miles, the Snowy Range provides snowmobilers just about anything they could possibly want for a snowmobile outing.

Groomed and ungroomed trails, large,

untracked meadow areas, many open peaks for hill climbing, and over a million acres of public land to ride till your heart’s content. This is truly “God’s Country” during the winter months, and there’s no better way to experience it than on a sled.

Brush Creek Ranch offers its winter guests a beautiful lodge setting with a view that is second to none. The trail system of the Snowy Range is easily accessible from the ranch property.

Warm, comfortable cabin and lodge accommodations, along with great western style cooking and an in-house “spirits” room and a hot tub provide guests with everything they need for an

enjoyable stay. Daily and weekly packages are available with meals and lodging included.

BCR has it’s own snowmobile rental fleet, offering Polaris 550, 600, and 700 snow machines for rent on a daily or weekly basis. These machines are tuned and ready to go for the high altitude and deep powder riding that you will experience in this part of Wyoming. So if your sled is not up to par for these conditions, consider leaving it at home and renting one of our “powder machines” for your next snowmobiling adventure at Brush Creek Ranch.

We look forward to having you as our RH guests. Let the snow fly!

Ice Fishing Primer

By Dave Hagengruber

T

o those who have never tried it, ice fishing is sometimes looked upon as an oddity. So too are the practicioners of this sport. Seen from a distance, the forlorn-looking souls huddled over the ice often evoke feelings mixed with both pity as well as a strange sense of wonder: why would anyone subject themselves to this treatment?

Once you’ve spent a little time on the ice however, you’ll soon see a different picture. Ice fishing is more than just a way to fill the days between the closing of one open water fishing season and the opening of the next. It is a chance to breathe the cold, clean winter air; to spend quiet time outdoors with family and friends, and to relax and collect one’s thoughts away from the blare of the television and radio.

Just walking on the ice can be a surreal experience, especially when no snow obscures the view of the water below.

To be suspended over the depths on a clear pane is an experience to be remembered. However, as in any outdoor activity, safety is a primary concern.

A good rule to follow is never to fish

alone, and try not to be the first person out on the ice. How much ice is needed to safely support a person? Although variable due to weather and water conditions, about four to six inches is a good rule of thumb.

Once you’ve found a suitable amount of ice covering your favorite lake or pond, the rest is surprisingly simple.

Use an ice auger to cut a circular hole in the ice, a scoop will clear the hole of floating ice chips, and a simple rod, lure and bait is all you need to entice the fish. Most any Montana sporting goods store will have a good selection of equipment for a low initial investment. No fancy electronic gear, boats, or elaborate equipment is needed. Dress in your warmest winter clothing, fill a thermos with hot coffee, chocolate or tea, and bring an empty bucket or old lawn chair to sit on.

Ice anglers are usually a friendly crowd, and the best way for a novice to learn the sport is to respectfully approach other anglers fishing nearby. A few minutes of friendly conversation and observation can often be enough

to get you started off in the right direction.

Once you’ve experienced your first taste of success, you may want to experience your first taste of fish caught through the ice. Fortunately, the flavor of fish caught from the cold winter waters is often it’s finest. Keep just enough for a meal soon after you get home, and extend your pleasure from the ice into the kitchen.

You may be surprised. The next time you see some heavily dressed forms out fishing on a lake, it won’t be pity you feel, but envy.

RH Article By: Dave Hagengruber Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 39

40 • Ritz Hospitality

www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

Tips For Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

T

he grass is always greener when it gets plenty of water.

And to make sure your lawn is ready to go-and grow-in the spring, it’s essential to make sure that your sprinkler system survives the winter.

Homeowners may not realize that in-ground irrigation systems are susceptible to harsh winter weather. Fortunately, there are just a few simple steps to get your sprinklers ready to weather Jack Frost’s deep freeze.

First and foremost, does your sprinkler system run on an automatic timer? If so, be sure to shut down the controller before the cold winds blow through. Many systems have a “rain” or “off” mode that turns off the signals to the valves. Even though the sprinklers don’t activate-because the valves are closed-the system retains all programming information (start times, valve run times, etc.) and continues to keep time.

Another option is to shut the controller off completely; however, this generally wipes out any programming information that may be stored in the system, so you’ll have to reprogram everything once the ground starts to thaw.

Next, shut off the water supply. And while you’re at it, be sure to protect the main shutoff valve by wrapping it with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag). If you don’t have a main shutoff valve, it can be a good, protective investment. Meanwhile, above-ground pipes need to be insulated, too. Most home supply stores sell self-sticking, foam-insulating tape and foam-insulating tubes for this task.

If the cold weather is on its way, it’s crucial to remove water from the pipes and sprinklers so that the water doesn’t freeze and cause pipes to burst. Manual drain valves, automatic

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drain valve and the compressed-air blowout method are the three most common ways to drain pipes. An irrigation specialist can help you get the job done while protecting your lawn and your property against the potential hazards.

Backflow preventers and valves also need insulation if they are aboveground. The insulation tape used for the main shutoff valve can be used on this equipment as well, but be sure not to block air vents or drain outlets.

Before you attempt to winterize your irrigation system, it can pay to consult an irrigation specialist such as those at Rain Bird. For additional irrigation tips or information, visit www.rainbird.com or call (800) RAINBIRD. Part of maintaining a healthy lawn is making sure your irrigation system is protected against harsh winter weather.

RH Article courtesy of NAPSI

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 41

PRAIRIE WIND CASINO P

rairie Wind Casino is owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Open 24 hours 7 days a week. The casino is located 12 miles East of Oelrichs, SD on Hwy 18 / 30 miles West of Pine Ridge, SD on Hwy 18. The casino offers a va-

riety of gaming entertainment: Slots, Blackjack, 3Card Poker or No Limit Texas Hold’em Poker. Not a Players Club member? Sign up today its FREE and easy. Hungry? We have a wonderful Buffet in our Restaurant with a limited menu. Needing cash?

Don’t worry we have an ATM on the premises. Visit our website at prairiewindcasino.com. HC 49 Box 10, Pine Ridge, SD 1-800-705-WIND. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Welcomes You! COMING SOON NEW CASINO & HOTEL!!

RH

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42 • Ritz Hospitality

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In the Heart of Pheasant Country

S

outh Dakota is the place to visit for over 150,000 pheasant hunters each year and Mitchell, South Dakota is in the heart of Pheasant Country. The pheasant season runs from the third Saturday in October through the end of the year. It’s a long season, but it’s still a relative secret that late-season hunting trips offer more bang for you time and money. The late season hunts are more likely to offer low-cost hotel rooms, less crowded public hunting areas, less-pressured land owners and more concentrated pheasants. The colder weather will also keep your dog happier.

Just because it’s later in the season doesn’t mean there won’t be birds.

Winter’s arrival nudges birds into heavier cover. This concentrates pheasants into smaller areas, making them easier to locate. Some of the best winter cover exists in state Game Production Areas planted specifically for winter habitat.

This means that you will see explosions of 30, 40, or hundreds of birds getting

up at one time. It is a sight that you will not soon forget.

During the bustling opening weeks of the pheasant season, landowners are approached morning, noon, and night.

Late in the season, hunting pressure decreases and crop harvesting has generally been completed. Landowners have

less stress and more tolerance for hunters asking for permission to hunt.

We look forward to seeing you in Mitchell, South Dakota. Come stay and hunt with us in America’s “Pheasant Country”. Enjoy South Dakota’s hospitality and beautiful scenery. You’ll be glad you did!

RH

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Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 43

Wells Dairy

L

e Mars, Iowa, has been officially recognized as “The Ice Cream Capital of the World®” since 1994, when Iowa lawmakers signed a resolution statement confirming that more ice cream is produced in Le Mars, Iowa, by a single company in one location than anywhere else on the planet. “How much?” you ask. In excess of 120 million gallons of ice cream every year – and that’s no bull. Get it? No, bull!

If you are an ice cream enthusiast...and you know, deep down, that you are, a visit to the Ice Cream Capital of the World Visitor Center Museum and vintage-themed Blue Bunny® Ice Cream Parlor should be a definite “must see” on your life’s list.

Located 30 miles north of Sioux City, Iowa, Le Mars has been the home to Wells’ Dairy, Inc., manufacturers of Blue Bunny ice cream, novelties, and fresh yogurt since it was founded here

by Fred H. Wells, Jr., in 1913. The “Ice Cream Capital of the World” Visitor Center Museum and Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor are located at the intersection of Highways 3 and 75 in Le Mars and are open year ‘round. Guests to the museum will learn the history of ice cream, the history of Wells’ Dairy and the process of how ice cream is made. A simulated production theater experience will whet your appetite for the Blue Bunny ice cream parlor, located adjacent to the museum. A

wide variety of hard-dip ice cream, sundae specialties, malts, phosphates and more are available for purchase in the 1930’s themed parlor area.

The museum charges $3 admission for adults (age 13 and over); $1 for youth (ages 5 – 12) and children (four and under) are free. Museum tours are self-guided and will take 35-40 minutes. Museum hours are seasonal, please call ahead (712546-4090) or check our website www.wellsdairy.com for current hours of operation.

Whether you love Blue Bunny ice cream or simply love ice cream, in general, make plans to visit the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” Museum and Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in beautiful Le Mars, Iowa – where life is sweet!

RH

44 • Ritz Hospitality

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Wagons West

H

igh in the mountains up above Jackson Hole, Wyoming the young and old alike can enjoy a first class camping experience filled with horseback riding, wagon riding, mountain meadows, campfire entertainment, home cook meals and much more. Wagons West is a family run business that has been providing unforgettable vacations for over thirty years. It is like a trip back in time with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Wagon West operates June, July and August with your choice of 2- day 1-

night, 4 -day 3- nights and 6-day 5 nights.

The adventure starts in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Guest are picked up there and taken up to where the wagons are in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The crew is friendly and makes you feel right at home. It is like you have known them all your life. Guest sleep in two man tents or in the wagons.

You can bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from them. Everything is

set up for you and all you have to do is enjoy yourself.

On a horse or in a wagon you will see the most breath taking scenery and maybe even a moose standing in a field of wild flowers. Every guest has the opportunity to ride a saddle horse during the day and if you like you can hike along with the wagons.

Either way there is so much to see and experience.

Meals are prepared chuck wagon style by professional mountain cooks on an open fire and in Dutch ovens. Bacon, eggs, sausage, pancakes, french toast, fresh fruit, roasts, chicken, stews salads, peach cobbler, cherry cheesecake and much more. First thing in the morning cowboy coffee or hot chocolate awaits you. Lunches made, breakfast served and “Wagon’s Ho” starts wagons and horses on their way for a trip of a lifetime. Even Teton Rose (the wagon outhouse) is packed and ready. Halfway thru the day they stop for lunch and there you are sitting in a meadow filled with wild flowers of all colors and feeling the warm summer sun on your face.

At the end of the day when the wagons are circled and the horses turn out to graze, the aroma of dinner cooking and the dinner bell draws you to the chuck wagon for a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the trimmings. You won’t go away hungry and hats off to the cooks. After dinner we mosey over to the campfire

and share stories of the day with each other and the crew. Songs are sung and as nightfall comes and the stars are out, everyone walks to their tents or wagon. Just before you doze off a smile comes over you face thinking that tomorrow is a whole new day and you are glad that you are there.

My name is Janice and Wagons West made one of my dreams come true. I always wanted to go on a wagon train and when this trip came up I was so excited. It was everything I ever dreamed of and more. The best part was the people. I made new friends and the trip reminded me of how nice the simple things in life are. No need for a watch, TV or computers just the great outdoors. The horses were great, the food fantastic, the scenery breathtaking, and the company unbelievable. I want to thank all of you for making my trip a memorable one that will be cherished forever.

Call 800 447-4711 for more info, or go to:www.wagonswestwyo.com to RH plan your trip!

Wagons West Teton Wilderness Pack Trips

� Moran, WY 83013 (800) 447-4711

P.O. Box 102

www.wagonswestwyo.com E-Mail: wagons@silverstar.com

Teton Wilderness Horseback Rides

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 45

Saratoga

I

n the pristine Platte Valley you will find wilderness areas, where you can hike without crowds, hear the creek rush by, smell the scent of the various evergreens or listen to the aspens sway in the wind. Not a hiking fan?

Then soak in the free hot pool, legend has it that these are medicinal waters and were enjoyed by Indian tribes in the area for many years. The municipal soaking pool with an average temperature of 117 degrees is free and open 24/7!

The Platte Valley is surrounded by the Sierra Madre and Snowy Range mountains with the Upper North Platte Valley River winding through the town of Saratoga. The Encampment River flows through Riverside and feeds into the Platte Valley River.

These rivers boast some of the best fishing in the western United States for Blue Ribbon Trout. Be sure to travel the Snowy Range Scenic Byway which links the Platte Valley and Laramie via a 10, 847 foot mountain pass.

Here in the Upper North Platte River Val-

ley, the Old West truly is alive and well. The low-key lives of ranchers and cowboys still ring true, and the people continue to hold dear their deep sense of Western history.

The Town of Encampment has a rich history dating back to the mining boom days of the 1880’s. The Grand Encampment Museum allows you to relive much of this history with their exhibits, cabins and even an old printing press.

Saratoga Museum offers interpretive displays, maps and dioramas. Exhibits include Archeology, Tie Hacks and Geology. The museum has a beautiful pavilion that hosts concerts and weddings for a most distinctive experience.

Shopping the Valley is a unique experience with specialty shops to fill your every need whether you are looking for something special for you, your family or your horse, it can be found in the Platte Valley.

The Valley hosts several events throughout the year including an Ice Fishing Derby, Sierra Madre Winter Carnival, Don Erickson Memorial Chariot Races, Festival of

Birds, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet, Festival of the Arts, Independence Day Parade, Grand Encampment Cowboy Poet Gathering, Living History Days, Platte River Rodeo Association WRA Rodeo, Saratoga Fun Fest, Street Dance and concert featuring John Conlee, Steinley Cup Official State Microbrewery, Chili Cookoff and Bullfest, Sierra Muzzleloaders Mountain Man Rendezvous & Black Powder Shoot, Coppers Days Festival, Antique Tractor Pull and Melodrama.

Snowy Range Mountain, located between Encampment and Saratoga, is rated #6 for snowmobiling by SnoWest Magazine top 15 places to snowmobile. Groomed trails for cross country skiers and snowmobilers in the Snow Range Mountains and Sierra Madre Mountains exceed 300 miles and with an annual snowfall of over 200” there is sure to be plenty of powder for everyone.

For more information about the Platte Valley visit our website www.saratogachamber.info or call 866-828-8855.

RH

46 • Ritz Hospitality

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Bar - Grill • Cabins • Full Hook-Up • RV Park Fishing • Hunting • Snowmobiling • Gas • Propane

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Gary & Vonetta Shumaker Managers

20 Miles SE of Saratoga Snowy Range Hwy 130 877-430-6002 307-326-8372 www.theplaceat10mile.com

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D&K Outpost Gas • Groceries Bar & Home Cooking Restaurant

Ideas For A Haunting Halloween

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hink twice before throwing out those dead flowers of yours.

Instead, arrange them in a vase with a black ribbon and a little decorative spider’s webbing,and you’ve created a spooky centerpiece for a terrifying Halloween table. Of course, your “dead” bouquet is just one way to add a creative een twist to this year’s Hallowcelebrations. You can also throw a Halloween breakfast, complete with orange and black table settings and pumpkin pancakes; make your own spooky decorations with the kids; or turn your happy home into a haunted house. The pros at Party City offer this closer look: A Spooky Note Add an extra chill to the air for trick-ortreaters by playing CDs featuring spooky Halloween music and sound effects. Just set your stereo speakers in the windows or on the porch and let the haunting begin.

Haunted Hunt Organize a neighborhood Halloween scavenger hunt. Give little ghosts and goblins a list of items to find-think spider rings, Halloween tattoos and candy-and turn them loose. Gather kids back at the

house afterward for hot chocolate and Halloween cookies.

You can also get creative when it comes to costumes. For instance, a black turtleneck, black pants and some eyeliner can be the beginning of a creepy black cat costume. Just add a pair of cat ears and a tail from the costume store and throw on some black gloves or some black fake fingernails. If you really want to be comfy and warm while making your Halloween rounds, trade in the turtleneck and pants for a black sweat suit.

But regardless of how creative this year’s Halloween gets, it’s always important to remember some tried-and-true trick-or-treating safety rules: • Be sure kids know to carry a small flashlight while they’re out on Halloween night. (Check the batteries before they leave the house.)

• Never let the kids go it alone. Trickor-treaters should always travel in groups and have an established meeting spot to go to, should they become separated.

For more tips and information, visit www.partycity.com. So Good It’s ScaryA Halloween breakfast with haunting table settings can be a fun way to celebrate RH the holiday.

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Miller Creek Ranch Bed & Breakfast

(605) 852-2889 Hwy. 14 W. & 47 N. Highmore, SD 57345 Karen Hemminger

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Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 47

Winterizing Your Deck Made Simple

T

he summer months can be hard on a deck. Sweltering heat, summer rain and the remnants of backyard barbeques can leave it dirty, mildew stained, gray and weathered.

That’s why it’s important to restore it before the long winter ahead.

By “winterizing” your deck, you’ll also protect it from winter’s rain, snow and ice to keep it looking great for years. And it’s easy if you follow this advice from the deck care experts at Wolman® Wood Care Products.

Clean, prepare and restore: Clean your weathered deck thoroughly to remove any ground-in dirt, grayed surface fibers, and stains from mold, mildew and algae. New decking should be prepped before coating to open the wood pores and remove barriers to penetration, such as mill glaze on new cedar.

Clean pressure-treated wood with Wolman® DeckBrite™ Wood Cleaner & Coating Prep.

An acid-and chlorine-free, oxygen-powered powder concentrate, it is tough on stains yet safe to use near plant life and shrubs. If you’re not sure of your wood type, use Wolman® Deck & Fence Brightener liquid concentrate. It is formulated to restore all wood-even tannin-rich woods like cedar, redwood, mahogany and other exotic hardwoods.

Both products clean and restore wood to its natural beauty without bleaching or yellowing.

The fast-acting formulas loosen and lift dirt, stains and discoloration in just 10 minutes. And they are easy to use-just mix with water, spray on, brush in and rinse off with a garden hose. If your deck has been previously coated, strip any faded or deteriorating finish with Wolman® DeckStrip® Stain & Finish Remover. It removes both oil and latex solid, semitransparent or transparent toner-type stains and prepares your deck for the reapplication of water-repellent sealers or stains.

Protect your deck from the elements: After cleaning, it’s important to apply a water-repellent finish such as Wolman® RainCoat®, F&P® or DuraStain®. Formulated to stop rain, sleet, snow and ice from penetrating wood surfaces, Wolman water-repellent coatings minimize water damage such as splitting or warping. The products offer a guarantee against water damage and provide long-lasting protection, so you won’t have to reapply a new coat year after year. Plus, they are available in a variety of colors and opacity levels-from totally clear to sheer, transparent natural wood tones to semitransparent shades-so you can protect your deck while achieving virtually any look you desire. For more information on Wolman® water-repellent coatings, wood cleaners and strippers, call 732-469-8100, or visit www.wol man.com for more helpful deck care tips. “Winterizing” your deck will protect it from the elements and keep it looking great for years.

RH

ENERGY INN • 41 units • 11 Kitchenettes • Handicapped Unit • NO Pets Allowed • Free Internet • Air Conditioning and Heat • Fax Service Available • 2-1/2 Acres of Parking • ADA Approved

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360 North Highway 30 (adjacent to Kemmerer) Diamondville, Wyoming energy@hamsfork.net

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(800) 707-4906 Fax: (208) 837-4551

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18049 U.S. Hwy. 30 Exit 137, 141 or 155 to Hwy. 30, Turn East Hagerman, ID 83332

Article courtesy of NAPSI

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Emily’s Family Restaurant Family Dining At Its Finest!

1509 W. Cedar St. Beresford, SD

(605) 763-5300 Protecting our children and their future by supporting programs that will make them safe and happy in our community and our classrooms.

48 • Ritz Hospitality

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The Marketplace

accommodations HILLCREST MOTEL On U.S. Hwy. 18 • Burke, SD 57523

(605) 775-2654 A/C • Direct Dial Phones Cable TV • Refrigerators Microwaves in some rooms

Mountain Magic Motel 919 Mineral Ave Libby, MT 59923

406-293-7795

www.mountainmagicmotel.com

interiors Stage Stop Inn

Continental Breakfast, Indoor Pool 1005 Main Avenue N. • Choteau, MT 59422

Toll Free: 1-888-466-5900 (406) 466-5900 www.stagestopinn.com

THE INN AT PHILIPSBURG & RV PARK 915 W. Broadway Philipsburg, MT 59858 (406) 859-3959 www.theinn-philipsburg.com

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museums • THE AGATE STOP • MONTANA AGATE MUSEUM

124 4th Ave. N. • Savage, MT 59262 (406) 776-2373 • Fax: (406) 776-2321 www.harmons.net Open May 1st-Jan. 1st • 8am-5pm 6 days a wk

RAILS INN MOTEL & Family Restaurant Exit 93 @ intersection of I-94 & Hwy 12 Forsyth, MT (406) 346-2242 • (800) 621-3754

WESTWIND MOTOR INN I-94, Exit 93 & Hwy. 12 Forsyth, MT

(406) 346-2038 1-888-356-2038

Spirit Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast

YOUR BUSINESS HERE

Historic Ranch On 52 Serene Acres 3 Harshaw Creek Rd. Patagonia, AZ (866) 394-0121 www.spirittreeinn.com

Cost effective advertising that gets results. Contact us today!

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hunting KSK Elk & Buffalo Hunting Guaranteed Hunts • Food & Lodging Along The Niobrara & Missouri Rivers

Steve & Kenard Kreycik www.kskelkhunt.com • elkranch@bloomnet.com

402-857-3850

88971 517 Ave. • Niobrara, NE 68760

recreation TIMBERLINE TOURS Rafting and Jeeping

(970) 476-1414 • (800) 831-1414 www.timberlinetours.com

BEST RAFTING CO. IN COLORADO

W.H. OVER MUSEUM

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YELLOWSTONE COUNTY MUSEUM 1950 Terminal Circle • Billings, MT 59105

(406) 256-6811

E-mail: ycm@180com.net • Website: www.yellowstonecountymuseum.org

taxidermy Powder River Taxidermy

FREE Wildlife Museum Open Mon.-Sun. 9am -9pm 708 S. Park • Broadus, MT 59317 (406) 436-2393 www.powderrivertaxidermy.com

Rocky Mountain Edition

Ritz Hospitality • 49

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Adora Inn ................................................ 22 Allaire Timbers Inn ...................................19 Armstead Campground & RV Park ......... 26 Ashley Inn ............................................... 25 Badlands Ranch & Resort ...................... 47 Bear Essentials Interiors .......................48 Beartooth Inn .......................................... 42 Best Western - Buffalo Ridge Inn .............. 7 Best Western - Cottontree Inn .................. 7 Best Western - Douglas Inn & Convention Center ................................... 7 Best Western - Heidelberg Inn .................. 7 Best Western - Lincoln Inn & Suites ......... 7 Best Western - Port O’Call Hotel .............. 7 Best Western - Sheridan Center ............... 7 Best Western - Superstition Springs Inn ............................................... 7 Best Western - University Inn ................... 7 Best Western - Wetherill Inn ..................... 7 Best Western Inn of Chandler ................... 7 Big 5 Motel .............................................. 27 Blackfeet Heritage Center & Art Gallery .............................................. 31 Blair Hotels ............................................. 39 Blue & White Motel ................................. 32 Brush Creek Ranch ................................ 39 Buckaroo’s Family Restaurant ................ 45 Budget Inn - Miles City ............................ 27 CAL-AM Properties .................................. 52 Carroll’s Trailerland ................................. 36 Cat Coulee Beds N Birds ........................ 26 Cat Track Outfitters ................................. 29 Cloverleaf Greyhound Park ......................16 Clyde Park Tavern & Dining .................... 33 Colorado Railroad Museum .....................17 Colossal Cave Mountain Park ................ 16 Custer’s Cottage ..................................... 35 D & K Outpost ......................................... 46 Days Inn - Salida .................................... 16 Dome Valley Museum ............................. 23 Dornan’s ................................................. 46 Emily’s Family Restaurant ...................... 47 Energy Inn .............................................. 47 Ennis RV Village ..................................... 26 Gates of the Mountains ........................... 30 Golden Pioneer Museum ........................ 21 Hagerman RV Village ............................. 47 Hampton Inn Mitchell .............................. 42 Happy Days Cafe .................................... 33 Heritage Health Care Center .................. 14 Hillcrest Motel ......................................... 48 Holiday Inn - Mitchell .............................. 43 Hollydot Golf Course ................................16

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Idaho Magazine ...................................... 40 J M Bar Outfitters .................................... 26 Jersey Lilly .............................................. 32 John G Neihardt State Historical Site ..... 36 Jost House B & B .....................................19 Ken’s Tire Service ................................... 26 KSK Elk and Buffalo Hunting .................. 48 Lakeview Golf Club ................................... 9 Lollypops ................................................. 36 Lolo Hot Springs ..................................... 33 Lyons Redstone Museum ....................... 20 Medora Area Convention & Visitor Bureau ........................................ 34 Milk River Outfitters ................................ 27 Miller Creek Ranch B & B ....................... 46 Mountain Magic Motel ............................. 48 Navajo Village ......................................... 21 Nelson’s Cottages ................................... 30 Niwot Inn Bed & Breakfast ...................... 19 O - Bar - O Cabins .................................. 21 Old Carson Inn Bed & Breakfast ............. 20 Overland Trail Museum ........................... 23 Paul Hancock Auction & Real Estate ...... 19 Powder River Taxidermy ......................... 48 Prairie Wind Casino ................................ 41 Raft Masters ............................................. 5 Rails Inn Motel ........................................ 48 Red Lion Hotel - Boise Downtowner ....... 11 Red Lion River Inn .................................. 15 Red Trail Campground ............................ 26 Rocky Mountain Carriage Company ....... 19 Rosebud Casino ..................................... 45 Roundup Motel ....................................... 20 Royal River Casino & Hotel ...................... 2 Saratoga-Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce ......................... 45 Sarpy County Historical Museum ........... 46 Silver Sage RV & Mobile Home Park ............................................ 22 Sleep Inn - Fremont ................................ 36 South Park Lodge & RV Park ................. 16 Southern Ute Museum & Cultural Center ....................................... 19 Spirit Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast .............. 48 Springs Bath House LLC ........................ 36 Stage Stop Inn ........................................ 48 Sterling Motor Lodge .............................. 23 Stitch’n Time, Inc ...................................... 46 Summit Inn Cabins ................................. 23 Sun Canyon Lodge ................................. 30 Super 8 - Belen ......................................... 3 Super 8 - Belgrade .................................. 51 Super 8 - Billings ..................................... 51

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Super 8 - Butte ........................................ 51 Super 8 - Camp Verde .............................. 3 Super 8 - Canon City ................................ 3 Super 8 - Concordia ................................ 50 Super 8 - Cooke City .............................. 51 Super 8 - Eagle Butte ............................. 50 Super 8 - Florence/Cañon City ................. 3 Super 8 - Gallup ........................................ 3 Super 8 - Gardner/Yellowstone Park ...... 51 Super 8 - Hardin ..................................... 51 Super 8 - Helena ..................................... 51 Super 8 - Holbrook .................................... 3 Super 8 - Jackson Hole .......................... 51 Super 8 - Las Cruces East /White Sands ........................................... 3 Super 8 - Livingston ................................ 51 Super 8 - Longmont/Twin Peaks ............... 3 Super 8 - Missoula .................................. 51 Super 8 - North Platte ............................. 50 Super 8 - Phoenix Airport .......................... 3 Super 8 - Pierre ...................................... 50 Super 8 - Portales ..................................... 3 Super 8 - Pratt ........................................ 50 Super 8 - Rawlins ................................... 51 Super 8 - Riverton .................................. 51 Super 8 - Roswell ..................................... 3 Super 8 - Salina/I-70 ............................... 50 Super 8 - Salina/I-135 ............................. 50 Super 8 - Santa Fe ................................... 3 Super 8 - Socorro ..................................... 3 Super 8 - Tecumseh ................................ 50 Super 8 - Thermopolis ............................ 51 Super 8 - Winner ..................................... 50 The Agate Stop - Montana Agate Museum ....................................... 48 The Inn At Philipsburg & RV Park ........... 48 The Place ................................................ 46 The Stage Stop Bait & Tackle ................. 23 The Turntable Restaurant & Motel ......... 23 Timberline Tours ..................................... 48 Valley Corvettes ...................................... 35 W.H. Over Museum ................................ 48 Wagon Wheel Motel & RV Park .............. 40 Wagons West .......................................... 44 Wells Dairy Inc. ....................................... 43 Western Inn Motel & RV Park ................. 22 Westwind Motor Inn ................................ 48 Wind River Casino, Riverton ................... 37 Windmill Inns & Suites ............................ 24 Wuertz Farm ........................................... 13 Yellowstone County Museum .................. 48 Yogo Inn .................................................. 32 Zuni Village R.V Park .............................. 13

Heartland ad 9/27/06 11:46 AM Page 1

Somewhere between where you are and where you’re going, KANSAS

there’s a Super 8.

®

Concordia

1320 Lincoln Hwy. Concordia, KS 66901 (785) 243-4200

Pratt

1906 E. First St. Pratt, KS 67124 (620) 672-5945

Salina/ I-135 1640 W. Crawford Salina, KS 67401 (785) 823-9215

See you along the way. ®

1.800.800.8000 super8.com

Salina/ I-70

120 E. Diamond Dr. Salina, KS 67401 (785) 823-8808

NEBRASKA

North Platte

220 W. Eugene Ave. North Platte, NE 69101 (308) 532-4224

Tecumseh

402 N. 12th 1/2 mile off Hwys. 136 & 50 Tecumseh, NE 68450 (402) 335-3100

SOUTH DAKOTA

Eagle Butte

S. Hwy. 212 at 63 Eagle Butte, SD 57625 (605) 964-8888

Pierre

320 W. Sioux Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 224-1617

Winner

902 E. Hwy. 44 Winner, SD 57580 (605) 842-0991 Toll-free Direct (888) 4177665

Each motel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreement with Super 8 Motels, Inc.

Montana-Wyoming ad 9/27/06 12:30 PM Page 1

Somewhere between where you are and where you’re going, there’s a Super 8.

®

MONTANA Belgrade/ Bozeman Airport 6450 Jackrabbit Ln. Belgrade, MT 59714 (406) 388-1493

Billings

5400 Southgate Dr. I-90 W. of Billings Billings, MT 59101 (406) 248-8842

Butte

See you along the way. ®

1.800.800.8000 super8.com

2929 Harrison Ave. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 494-6000

Hardin

201 W. 14th St. Jct. of I-90 & Hwy. 47 N, Exit 495 Hardin, MT 59034 (406) 665-1700

Helena

2200 11th Ave. Helena, MT 59601 (406) 443-2450

Livingston

105 Centennial Dr. I-90, Exit 333 Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-7711

Cooke City/ Yellowstone Park

Missoula/Brooks St.

Gardiner/ Yellowstone Park

Missoula/Reserve St.

3003 E. Main St. Cooke City, MT 59020 (406) 838-2070

Hwy. 89 S. Gardiner, MT 59030 (406) 848-7401

3901 S. Brooks Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 251-2255 Toll-free Direct (888) 900-9010

WYOMING Jackson Hole

750 S. Hwy. 89 Jackson Hole, WY 83001 (307) 733-6833 www.jacksonholesuper8.com jacksonsuper8@wyom.net

Rawlins

2338 Wagon Circle Rd. Rawlins, WY 82301 (307) 328-0630

Riverton

1040 N. Federal Blvd.

Riverton, WY 82501 (307) 857-2400

Thermopolis

Lane 5, Hwy. 20 S. Thermopolis, WY 82443 (307) 864-5515 www.thermopolissuper8.com

4703 N. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 549-1199 Toll-free Direct (888) 900-9010

Each motel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreement with Super 8 Motels, Inc.