Montana Woods N Water July 2015 Print Edition

Publisher’s Notes What’s Inside By Raf Viniard Hunting 2 Fishing 5 July is the month we celebrate our Trapping 10 Independence and Freedoms as Montana Dan 11 Americans, so enjoy. It is NOT just Kountry Girl 14 about having time off and partying! As Sportsman’s Meditation 15 a retired military veteran and a Next Generation 16 Christian I am deeply concerned about Local Celebrities 17 the future of our Great Nation. Some Angela Montana 18 would have us believe we are no longer Toby Walrath—Cat Trapping 20 one nation under God...I got news for Guest Writer—Jess Shaw 23those that oppose us and attempt to destroy our nation from within, we Events 28are one nation under God...wrath or blessings! Fellow patriots andveterans, stand tall and be heard we ARE the last line of defense from S taffboth domestic and foreign threats. These colors don’t run! Publisher/Editor/Layout: I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN AND LIVING IN THE GREAT STATE OF MONTANA! MAY GOD BLESS US! Raf ViniardDon’t forget to support our advertisers. Without them Montana Woods VP of Sales & Marketingn Water will not exist. We need their business for us to stay in businessand keep you informed, entertained and educated. Enjoy your summer Pam - 406-540-3550but remember to be safe out there a wave Old Glory proudly! Sales & Marketing, Lincoln County Raf Viniard, Publisher Kori - 406-293-1478 Front Cover Photo Provided By: Montana Woods N Water Director of Social Media Father’s Day Sunset over NW Montana Misty - 406-250-4191 To Contact Us: Pro Staff Writers & Photographers: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Angela Gerych Pastor Jim Sinclair Plains, Montana 59859 Dan Helterline Paul Fielder 406-08-0576 Mitzi Stonehocker www.montanawoodsnwater.com Email: [email protected] Sam Martin Jason Badger Tony Rebo Toby Walrath Editorial Policy: Montana Woods N Water (MWW) reserves the right to refuse to publish any form of content that does not include the author’s name, complete mailing address, and/or valid phone number or e-mail address. Anonymous submissions will not be addressed or published. MWW reserves the right not to publish anything we feel is not in good taste or appropriate. All content, material and graphics designed by Montana Woods N Water are copyrighted.

HUNTING What Is That Picture Worth? By Raf Viniard Today’s game cameras can tell you more about what is going on in the woods than you have time to figure out. These new little boxes of technology will help you better identify big game movement and their patterns. That picture can be worth thousands of words, hundreds of man hours, fuel, footsteps and glassing. My first game camera was made from an old military ammo can. The company that produced them had placed a 110 instamatic camera inside, that you loaded a roll of film into. It was powered by four D batteries to operate the low tech components such as the flash and advance the film.Today’s digital game cameras are sleek and very high tech compared to the first models that hooked huntersnationwide. With less than 70 days until opening day of archery season many hunters are putting out their gamecameras. Rest assured your local guides are.There is an art to getting the most from your game camera from the moment you take it out of the packaging topicking it up at the end of the season. Here in Montana you cannot use a game camera during big game season…somake sure your cameras are out of the woods before the big game season opens. I know, this is a heated argumentbut for this article we want to focus on how to best utilize your camera before it is time to pull it…the days arecounting down. Read the regulations or consult with your local game warden if you have any questions. Which one to buy? That is like asking ten people which truck is the best. I have owned very expensive cameras and Wal-Mart specials. Do your own research, but asking a local guide/outfitter will give you the ins and outs of certain models. I have had just as much luck with a game camera from Walmart as high end cameras. Game cameras are not cheap…invest wisely.How many do you need…that will depend on your budget and how many places you want to watch. I truly believe10-12 is a good number and allows you the most flexibility…especially no longer than we get to use them here inMontana. Game cameras need to be left alone and moved very little to really get a feel for how the game is usingthe area you have targeted for observation.So, you have finally broke down and bought yourself a gamecamera or cameras. As soon as you take it out of the pack, be areal man and read the instructions. Next send off your warrantycard or go online and register it…very important. I have had newcameras break or stop working within a week of purchase.Next, load it with brand new QUALITY batteries (not some from ajunk draw or the truck glove box) and update your camera withthe newest version of software. Continued page 3 2

HUNTING CONTINUEDThat camera you bought may have set in a warehouse forover a year and the camera company has since come outwith an upgrade to fix any bugs, glitches, etc. Follow theinstructions carefully…don’t be playing with the camera/buttons while it is updating the software.If your camera did not come with a SD card make sure youget the right one. You do not need a high speed SD card…they are made for point and shoot cameras not your gamecamera. Again follow your directions that came with yourcamera. You can’t just grab the camera out the box andslap it on a tree! Play with the camera in your yard tomake sure you fully understand its operation.Now that you got the boring stuff out of the way it is timeto head to the woods and place that camera…but how andwhere? You just got an excuse to get back in the woodsand do some scouting.Before heading out to the woods, have a game plan.Know what animals or area you are targeting…just likehunting. You will want to set the camera up in an areawith game activity, focusing on travel routes, wateringholes, bedding and feeding areas. Take your GPS and walkthe area to identify possible camera locations before setting them out. Better to do it right the first time thanconstantly moving the camera guessing. Don’t forget to check out those secondary trails and creek crossings. Stayaway from heavily traveled foot paths or trails…if you want to keep your camera.Practice good noise and scent control. Some hunters spray down their camera with scent killing spray and wearrubber gloves. If you do use spray do not get it on the lens.Okay, now you have found a spot you think is worthy of your new investment/toy. Don’t rush this next step…stepaway from the area about 10-20 feet and really take it in and study it. Which tree are you going to use, am I going to mount it low or high? Which direction is the game traveling? Which way is East and which way is West. A rule of thumb is try to mount your camera facing North to prevent glare on the lens or backlighting the animal and making it a dark silhouette in the photo. Hang your camera at a 45° angle to the trail. This increases the trigger time which gives you a better photo of the entire animal. If the camera is pointed across the trail or opening, the sensor may take a second or two to wake up giving you a photo of just the animals butt or worse – a nice picture of the empty woods. Hang the camera about 36 inches off the ground. Continued on page 4. 3

HUNTING CONTINUED You can also mount the camera in a tree pointed down at the target area…thieves are less likely to see it up high. This requires more work and possibly a ladder. Don’t set the camera too far back from where the game is moving through. Again read your instructions that came with the camera. Every model can be a little different. As you get more experience with your equipment you will learn its limitations. Carry a pair of pruning snips and get eye level with the camera and snip away any limbs, weeds or objects blocking the cameras view. I highly recommend you carry a GPS with you and mark the location where you hang it. After about the fifth camera you may start to question yourself about its exactlocation.Secure the camera to a tree or object, now back off and leave it alone. I know it is hard not to want to go back in there andcheck it every couple of days…just don’t do it. Give things time to settle down and your scent to leave the area. Leave thecamera alone for 10-12 days or longer…if you can stand it. Can someone steal your camera…you bet ya! Don’t use game cameras if you are not up to that risk or financial loss…period. 99.9% of hunters will not bother it, but that .01% are just common thieves and will take your camera if they have to cut the tree or cable to get it. Some of the new cameras have a security code and renders the camera useless unless you have the code. Write or etch your name on the camera in case it pops up down the road by a law enforcement officer. What about camera damage…bears have been known to chew them into little pieces. They do make bear cages but they are not bear or thief proof. Don’t place brush around your cameras to keep the thieves from seeing them unless you are trying to catch the thief or trespasser. Brushing may block your perfectly clear view of the trail/opening. Also, the LED illumination will light up the brush in front of the camera which can give you a bad picture. It is finally time to go check your camera…again use good noise and scent control. Nothing worse than dragging the entire family into the camera area and then finding out a huge buck or elk is frequenting the area or bedding nearby. I carry a small laptop with me and download the images onto the laptop, erase the card and put the same card back in. Erase only the pictures not the operating files on the SD card or your camera will not work and the card will have to be reformatted in the camera. You can review the pictures on the spot with a laptop and share them with others once you are out of the woods. There are devices on the market you can carry todownload your pictures onto…do some research and see what will work best for you. Some use a small pocket camera todownload and review the pictures.Game cameras are just another tool in the hunter’s bag of tricks. They may help confirm whether that old buck or big elk madeit through the last season. During the antler development stage it is nice to watch theantlers mature over a period of a few days. Big bucks or elk you never knew existedmay tease you with his best side from time to time. They may also reveal that otherhunters are scouting the area as well, which will allow you to adjust your huntingtactics.Game cameras will not guarantee you that next trophy bull or buck but it will addadditional information to your hunting strategy. Just like using a fish finder on yourboat…it will show you the fish but it doesn’t mean they will be put in the boat! So,what is that picture of that next world class elk or buck worth to you? 4

FISHING He said… She said… By Tony Rebo This past spring my wife got her prize brook trout back from the taxidermy. The brook trout is proudly displayed on the wall at home. This trout has been the topic of many conversations. Each and every time that we have company someone has to bring up the fish. It is a very nice fish and one of the largest brook trout I have seen caught in Montana. However, with each story my wife tells to the latest inquirer of the fish, I have noticed this trend of how she goes into detail on her expertise of catching the said trout. So this article is to clear the record once and for all on the catching of the famous brook trout, which is known throughout Libby, MT. I am going to share my version of the story – the “He said”. I am also going to include mywife’s version of the story – the “She said”. In all fairness to her, I will write my version first, then allow her to haveher day in court – so to speak. Of course, I am sure most readers will agree that my version is by far the moreaccurate account of the fishing trip, but you as the reader can decide. “He Said”Hunting season had just ended and I was anxious to get out and ice fish. I am a fanatic when it comes to ice fishing, Icould literately go every day. I asked my wife if she would like to come along. My plan was to go to a lake that Iknow freezes over very early in the winter. Her response was the normal response that I always get, “Are youkidding me? The ice isn’t thick enough to go fishing, you Idiot! Oh, by-the-way, you did pay your life insurance,right?”Saturday morning I was up at 5:00 AM and headed out to the lake. I had a great day of fishing and was home bynoon with a limit of brook trout. My fish were all good size and were on the average of 14 to 16 inches in length. Mywife was excited about the success I had and suddenly becameinterested. When my wife becomes interested in something shebegins to ask questions. For the next two hours I answered 100meaningless questions. I only remember two questions: 1) Howthick was the ice? and 2) What did you catch them on? My responseis always the same when asked how thick was the ice, “Good ice. Iwouldn’t be afraid to fish on it.”The next morning we made a plan to go back up to the lake and fish.At 5:00 AM my alarm goes off and I spring from the bed, ready togo. I always prepare the night before so all I have to do in themorning is get dressed and head to the pickup after I have filled mythermos with coffee. My wife rolls over at the sound of the alarm and declares, “Turn that darn thing off, and why isit going off so early?!”Wanting to start the day off on a positive note I share with her that we have to get an early start, and we areburning daylight. One hour later, after applying the daily ritual of makeup and smelly sprays, my wife tells me she isready to go. We only drive two blocks when my wife then declares that she needs her morning coffee, which comesin these fancy little cups at a drive-through window. Continued on page 6 5

FISHING CONTINUEDThey call these cups of joy, Lattes. Lattes – just let that word roll off your tongue. Good God, really!? So, we sat in linewith 20 other morons who can’t brew a cup of Joe. Maybe there should be a class at college that teaches that. Whenwe finally leave town with our breakfast burrito with special beans and cheese, and of course, the latte, it is now 9:07AM. We arrive at the lake at 10:37 AM.I unload the truck with our gear and get ready to head out on the lake. To no surprise, my wife chooses to head onthe lake empty handed. Heaven forbid she would spill the $12.00 latte. We arrive at the edge of the ice and my wifestops on the shore line. I may have said something like, “Now what?” “I thought you said the ice was 11 inches thick.It doesn’t look it to me,” she says.It will be fine, I think. I fished all day yesterday and didn’t fall through. Besides we were only fishing 15 feet from theshore. If you did fall through, just walk on the bottom to the shore. It is not that far. I headed out onto the ice andstarted to drill my wife a hole from which she could fish. It was about 6 feet from my hole, which happened to be thesame hole I used the day before. After I cleared the ice from the holes we were ready to start fishing. After baitingher hook, getting her chair and making sure everything was just right, we were ready to start fishing.I caught the first three fish and was well on my way to having my limit by 11:30 AM. We could be back to the truckand on our way home by 12:00 PM sharp. Well, if it wasn’t for that one thing, which just happened to be on the endof the other pole 6 feet away. With three fish on the ice, I started to hear the moaning and complaining of a jealousfisherman. After 10 minutes of non-stop complaints I agreed to let my wife fish in my hole while I drilled her one nextto mine, within three feet. I was drilling the new hole when I noticed that she brought a fish up through the ice. Itwas a nice fish, about the same size as the ones I had caught. My wife quickly had me re-bait her hook and down thehole it went. I went back to drilling the hole when I glanced over at my wife. Continued on page 7 It’s Not If... But When! When it’s time to go...go in style! www.camocaskets.com 406-407-0612 6

FISHING CONTINUEDThe pole she was holding was bent in a “U “shape. Good gravy, now she is hung up. I turned off the auger and wentto help, which by the way is how I spend most of the day. I asked her with my “nice voice” if she was hung up on thebottom, which she declared was not possible.As with so many times before I have come to realize that my wife is the master at getting hooked up on the bottom.My wife insisted that she had a fish on the line, but could not reel it up because it was so big. I laughed at the ideaand told her to just back up as we were only fishing in about 8 feet of water. As my wife worked her way from thehole, I then realized that she truly may have a fish on. Oops, and there it is! The fish magically appeared in the holeand splashed about. The size of the fish was not possible, it was unbelievable. As quickly as it appeared it was gone,when it reached the top of the ice the line broke and back into the hole it went, gone forever! That is until the dumbthing splashed back out on the ice. Oh my word, a second chance. I wasted no time in kicking the fish to the bankand securing it to the shore line. What a monster - a fish of a lifetime. The biggest brook trout I have ever seen. Mywife didn’t even act happy. She even asked me, “What’s the big deal? We have caught plenty of fish bigger thanthat.” Maybe so, but not a brook trout, baby.I quickly told her the value of what we had, and that we would need to pack up and head to the taxidermy rightnow. On the way home we shared the adventure and how if it weren’t for me allowing her to fish in my hole shewould never have caught that fish. I was the guide of guides and that she should appreciate me taking the time totake her fishing. I, of course, would want credit in all the magazines when the news of this great fish came to light. Iquickly made her promise never to tell anyone where we were fishing, and so the story goes………. There was no skillinvolved in my wife catching this monster fish, she was inmy hole and got lucky. In the end, I risked my life skiddingacross the ice securing the fish on the bank so it didn’t getaway. Now to her side of the story. Continued on page 8 Place your print ad here for only $40.00 a month E-mail: [email protected] 7

FISHING CONTINUED “She said”Oh my word, really…. REALLY?!Where do I even start? Well, first off this is total nonsense. I will tell you the real story. Yes, it is true that Tonywent fishing on Saturday, and did catch some nice fish. I didn’t go, as I represented our family at his nephew’sbirthday party. When I told Tony about the party, he just gave me that look like I was totally ruining his life. He toldme to wish him well and that he would catch a fish in his honor.I was prepared to go on Sunday; however, I see no reason to leave the house in the dark in the dead of winter. Wehave never caught a fish early in the morning, and in fact this story is the perfect example of not having to be onthe ice at 0-dark-thirty. I also want to point out that I take a shower everyday and like to maintain a high-level ofpersonal hygiene. Unlike my spouse, who has some dumb-witted idea that during hunting season he is forbiddento take a shower. Why he continues that into the ice fishing season is beyond me. Fish can’t smell, right? He thentells me that I just wouldn’t understand. Whatever stinky, just go take a bath!I know how to brew coffee, but I enjoy a latte now and then. Comparing it to the road tar that Tony makes, I willtake a latte any day. I watched him once out in the shop, pouring coffee into a battery. I asked him what he wasdoing and he said that while charging the boat battery he noticed it was low on acid. He was adding coffee to thebattery. So let’s see, if he pours this sludge into a battery in place of acid would I want to drink a cup of his coffee?Just based off of this part of the story I know the readers will take my side. Oh, and did I mention he needs to takea bath?We did arrive at the lake and he did unload all the gear. A bunch of stuff that is worth thousands of dollars andsome of the equipment he has even named. There is Big Bob the electric ice auger, which he keeps in the house.He also has two fish finders, one that is infra red and the other 3D. Just in case you want to look at the same fishdifferently. He has an underwater camera, and then all of the poles and tackle. So, if we use a plain hook andworms, why do we need all the extra gear?When we reached the edge of the ice I could tell that Tony had a different idea of what 11 inches was. Goodness, Icould see through the ice and it cracked at every step. We only fished 15 feet off the shore only because there wasopen water after that. Tony mentions that I am always hooked up or that I am tangling up my line. Let me tell youwhy. As I had mentioned, he has the best of gear, but what I get to use is far from quality stuff. Cont. on page 9 Fergie’s Pub & Grill 213 Main Street Hot Springs, MT 59845 406-741-2416 Owners: Charlie & Joe Ferguson 8

FISHING CONTINUED Tony will buy every piece of junk fishing gear at a rummage sale, and hand it to me. I have had on occasion a complete reel fall apart in my hands moments after he hands it off to me. He does give me the look likeit is my fault, but what am I to do with something that resembles a reel, but was built in 1963?The only reason I moved from my hole to his was because of the water I was standing in. You see he wants to be offthe ice before the sun is too high in the sky and melts it away from under us. I moved in because I was tired ofwatching fish swim past my boots. I did catch the big fish in the hole he abandoned, but he was over with Big Bobthe auger drilling a new hole.What I know is this: I am the real hero in this story. I can catch a fish with nothing more than a stick with line tied onit using a plain hook and worms. I don’t have to get up early, consume mud from a cup and pack around a bunch ofelectronics. I also shower regularly. So, if you want to know how to catch them, you just ask this girl and I will helpyou out. 9

TRAPPING Sagebrush Muskrat By Dave Wallace, Kila, MT A few years ago my good friend, Bob Gilman, invited me over to the high desert of eastern Oregon to do some trapping. Since then I've returned to enjoy trapping muskrats in open water in the high desert marshes while the lakes ,streams and ponds back in Montana are still iced over. This past season Bob was undergoing chemo therapy as a follow up to pancreatic cancer surgery. He actually gave me half of his trapping area in the marsh to trap! The ponds and marshes never froze this past season as such but I did have two mornings where I had to break ice with the canoe to check traps but this was a true obstacle in rotating or setting more traps for that short period of time. All in all this past season was great! The weather co- operated and I don't know if I'll ever see conditions this good in another life time. My trips to the high desert marshes have been rewarding in more ways than one allowing me to trap in new territory and spend time with a good friend! Muskrat Trapping Tip When beginning, muskrat trappers find numerous feedbeds and toilets in a small area; don't waste your traps by setting all of them. Choose two or maybe three to set andthen use a good reputable lure. The use of a good lure won't allow you to catch more, but you will catch the animalsthat are there faster so that you can move on. As with many people that spend time out in the natural world we are influenced and inspired by what we see and experience. Silent Sentry By Dave Wallace Silent sentry perched on a pole Watching the fields for a mouse, shrew or vole He strikes with a blinding merciless flash No chance had its victim for a last final dash Ones' life lost is another's gain The hawk is master of this domain Be always on guard you mouse shrew or vole For there sits the sentry perched on a pole 10

MONTANA DAN Fishing for the Weekend By Dan Helterline aka “Montana Dan” June was a good month for fishing, I made it out to some body of water almost every weekend. Lake Mary Ronan was good for salmon, jigging in thirty feet of water using a Swedish Pimple and a glow hook was productive, and limits were caught on several trips. The bite was best early morning, with evenings being good also, and midday could be spent filling up with a good mess of perch from the shallows. We caught several hog perch while jigging for salmon that were a whopping twelve inches, pretty big for perch! The last trip the salmon started dispersing and were easier caught trolling cow bells trailed by a wedding ring tipped with a piece of night crawler and corn. I also made it up to Middle Thompson Lake and trolled for Kokanee with a buddy from Libby, the salmon were bigger than Lake Mary’s running around a pound each, I have smoked a lot of different fish and I have yet to find any that smoke up better than a batch of Kokanee’s! There was a good Chinook run over the hill in Idaho this spring also, rumors of limits of these feisty salmon was eventually more than I couldstand and I finally headed to Riggins to fish the Little Salmon River for a couple of days. Once the word gets out, thisshort tributary of the main Salmon gets packed with bank fisherman but the fishing can be excellent at the peak ofthe run. This year was no different, lots of fish andfisherman, I was able to catch several Chinooks that werein the 12-14 pound range. The Little Salmon River isn'tvery big but what it lacks in size it makes up for inswiftness, landing these hard fighting salmon in the fastwater tests your gear and skill. Hopefully Idaho’s strongspring salmon run is a sign of things to come this fall, I ameagerly waiting to head to the Columbia this September.Continued on page 12 11

MONTANA DAN CONTINUED I have hit the big pond a few times also but not with much luck, I have heard from several that I am not alone in my poor success on Flathead and it has generally been slow this spring. The last trip we picked up one Laker trolling between Wildhorse and Cromwell Islands, pretty slow, but on a positive note Zimmer’s Tackle thought the Lake White- fish bite might be good this summer, typically starting mid July. I will have to take a bit of a break from fishing in Montana because as I scramble to finish this piece I just learned that I am heading to Alaska for a fire assignment. Stay tuned, hopefully I will have a fish tale or two to share when I return from the “Land of the Midnight Sun”! 12

Jake Promotional ShootOn 30 May at the Plains Trap Club the next generation of sportsmen lined up to participate in the promotional shoot learningand practicing their archery, small bore and trap shooting skills. According to Mike Blake, much interest was shown for theevent and each of the participants were signed up for a free Jake Membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation by theChapter President, Tony Colombo.Instructor Chris McGuigan oversaw the archery instruction. Wayne Crismore, Keely Benson &Gerald Powell taught firearm safety at the small bore range and 4-H Trapping ShootingInstructors Rosey Sweet, Haley Sweet, Matt Cockrel and Mike Blake gave instruction on trapshooting etiquette while Harry Green (range Master) ran the trap house. Go to page 16 to seemore pictures of the Next Generation, Living The Dream!Treydon & Tyson Brouillette of Plains, MT lets it fly! Cody Hansen and Cade Stinnett Marsada Sweet ofof Plains, MT gets a feel for the bow with instructor Chris McGuigan looking on! Plains, MT anchors and 13 readies to release!

KOUNTRY GIRL Sunday Funday By Kori Erikson aka “Kountry Girl” When boredom and creativity combine, it’s incredible what a few rambunctious friends can find to occupy their time. This is how the Sunday Funday Crew in Lincoln County came to be. Started about seven years ago, with a handful of friends, it has grown and its events are much anticipated by hundreds of followers. If you’ve seen Jacka** or Nitro Circus on MTV, you get an idea of what these folks partake in. Just a more Montana’d version. Events ranging from outrageous scavenger hunts to homemade raft races are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. They’ve also been known to race jet skis…. down a snow covered hill in January, created a game called Snowmobile Soccer, build a three story visqueen water slide, down the bank, into the river, aptly named The Plastic Mountain of Doom, host homemade sledding races, and so, so much more. On June 7th, the homemade raft race was enjoyed by probably close to 50 people, participants and onlookers. The rules were your raft/boat could not consist of anything that was a boat to begin with, no motors of any kind, and lifejackets were mandatory. Two jet skis accompanied the rafters to assure safety. Rafts consisted ofa dugout canoe, a barge like raft, complete with picnictable, BBQ, and even decoy ducks, one raft of five-gallonbuckets, meticulously taped together, and several others.The float was from Roosevelt Park in Troy to KootenaiVista, just west of Troy and was completed in less than anhour. Early enough that most the floaters rallied andfloated again.Sunday Funday Crew mainly keeps its fans up to datethrough its Facebook page. Feel free to follow along forthe fun. Even if you can’t participate, it’s always fun towatch. (Warning: adult content) https://facebook.com/groups/153679644620/ 14

SPORTSMAN’S MEDITATION A Peaceful Antidote By Pastor Jim Sinclair Bicycle after bicycle after bicycle ripped around the camp, it was a beautiful June weekend. Our families from the church had gathered in our usual place to enjoy a few days of camping and fellowship. Kids come out of nowhere for this event, they wake early and play late, they bounce around in Go Karts, make and shoot bow and arrows. Next they are off to practice and hone their shooting skills with there 22’s. As the dark settles and the camp fires are lit you will find them eating Smores by thedozens. By the end of the day I have seen many kids that a washrag wouldn’t touch after a day of camping andplaying.But It’s the evening that is coveted, The camp fire is an incredible place of peace, laughter and friendship. Until“they” show-up and they come with a vengeance, they interrupted us every night. You know those little wingedcreatures that want your blood. We are so thankful and happy that someone came up with an antidote for thisproblem...it’s that special little spray can that repels them. Squirt here, squirt there and peace is back at the fireside.I couldn’t help but reflect on another pest. This heavenly pest at one time had wings too. His problem came whenhe decided to “Become like the Most High God”. Because of his actions, he no longer resides in Heaven andaccording to John 10:10 he now comes to kill steal and destroy. He is known by many names such as the devil, “TheGreat Deceiver”, Lucifer, etc. but Jesus comes to give us Abundant life.Even though he comes with a vengeance, we have an antidote, He (Jesus) is our savior. When we accept him asLord, we can have peace from the wicked one. Peace that passes all understanding. Keep “Livin The Good Life” A camping trip would not be complete without watermelon. Brenden, grandson of Chris and Shannon Allen buries his head into a slab of ice cold watermelon. Only thing left was the white rind when he got done. 15

NEXT GENERATIONMarley Erickson of Troy, MT with this Piper Bergstrom grinning from ear to ear withbeautiful Trout...way to go Marley! her fish. Good job Piper!Libby kindergartners, Hunter Rooney (left) and Dakota William Jones, Age 6 of Trout Adrian Nass of Plains,Allen made the most of their class field trip to the Troy fish Creek, Montana is getting MT does the old lip liftpond. Hunter’s balances a lunker 27” rainbow. Look out ready...are you? on this nice bass...hisBill Dance these kids are gonna be tough to beat! first fish he reeled in by himself. Nice job Adrian! Take a kid fishing!Jake Promotional Shoot CONTINUEDShooters Left to Right: Aaron Collins, Tressa Lyscio, Matt instructs Esvin on Matt closely inspects TysonCade Stinnett & Sadie Sweet. his shooting technique. stance and grip before the shot! 16

LOCAL CELEBRITIESGeorge Nass of Plains, Montana with a nice bass. George did you pick some of those flowers for your wife for letting you go fishing? Isiah Joner with a “Hoss” of a black bear. Congrats Isiah! 17

ANGELA MONTANA Leash Up! By Angela Montana Magnum is a 170-pound, three year-old Irish Wolfhound. Magnum is a gentle giant who wouldn't hurt a fly...but, other people don't know that...other dogs don't know that...area wildlife doesn't know that, either. There are alsopredators in Montana that enjoy killing dogs, so, for Magnum's protection, he is on a leash while we are on publicareas.PLEASE make sure you have control of your dog, too, while you're in public areas. Do it out of respect for othersusing the areas, do it for the safety of your pet, do it for the safety of the wildlife and do it because you are aresponsible pet owner.Gunner is a 70-pound Pitbull/Boxer mix. He L-O-V-E-S people. If he sees a kid walk by? He will get so excited andwant to play with them so badly. He is a great dog…with the exception of other dogs. We got him a few years ago,as a five year-old, and he was raised to fight. He lived in an area with a lot of other dogs and he would regularlyescape the flimsy fence that never really did keep him contained in the yard. “He never lost a fight” is what wewere told. It is unfortunate this smart, handsome and gentle soul turns into a completely different dog when otherdogs are around. But, so be it. I love him will make it work with both of our dogs.With that being said, I wouldn’t take Gunner to a dog park. That just isn’t fair to him or any of the other dogs, as weknow he is dog-aggressive. However, when we take him out in the mountains or on a public trail, you better believewe use a leash. He is happiest when he’s on a walk exploring. So, what do you think happens when Joe Shmoewalks by us with his dog that is not on a leash, eventhough it is well behaved? Well, the dog first of allnotices the snarl that starts forming on Gunnerwhen he stops in his tracks and tightens up hisbody. If that dog approaches Gunner after hisowner calls for the dog to come back…it won’t bepretty, and that is with Gunner on a leash. Peopletend to assume that because they have dogs thathave no issues with other dogs, every other dog outthere will react the same way as their dog. That isnot the case. Gunner is fine as long as he is on aleash. Dogs are like people in the sense that theyreact differently to different actions. A happy-go-lucky dog might drop down ready to play, andGunner may read that as a challenge. Continued on page 19 18

ANGELA MONTANA CONTINUED SO….knowing the laws of the areas you and your dog are in is a step in the right direction…even more, respect others in the areas you’re in and be prepared for all situations. If you know your dog is dog-aggressive, it might be a good idea to keep the dog out of high dog-traffic areas. If your dog is obedience-trained and you feel as if nobody else would be around where you are in the mountains, keep a leash ready, just in case, and make sure you put an orange vestor something that stands out on your dog! This is wolf country. Show your dog you care!Thank you to those of you who respect our public land and treat it as if others were using it—because others actuallyare, including wildlife! Show your dog how much you love them and show others respect on public land by keepingpets out of unnecessary situations. PLUS, by being a responsible dog owner, you are protecting the wildlife that weall fight so hard to protect by not allowing your pets to chase animals and you will your pets safe from predatorswhile they are under your control. 19

TOBY WALRATH - CAT TRAPPING REGULATION UPDATE Bobcat Trapping Regulations Likely To Change Throughout Lynx Protection Zones By Toby Walrath Fur Trappers targeting bobcat in Montana’s trapping districts 1 and 2 and portions of 3, 4 and 5 will likely berequired to modify their trapping practices during the 2015-2016 furbearer season contingent upon FWPCommission approval in July. Litigation filed by a coalition calling themselves “Friends of the Wild Swan” against DanVermillion in his official capacity as Chairman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission resulted in asettlement agreement which imposes further trapping restrictions. The Montana Trappers Association (MTA) entered into the case as Defendant-Intervenors with support fromthe National Trappers Association (NTA) as organizations affected by the outcome of the case. In February 2015 theMTA and NTA were in the Federal Court House in Missoula, Montana for a settlement hearing mediated by FederalMagistrate Judge Lynch. The MTA and NTA representatives were sequestered into a separate room and not allowedto meet the plaintiffs or Montana FWP legal team for the discussion at the request of the mediator.During this settlement hearing an agreement was made between the FWP and the Plaintiffs in the case which waspresented at the FWP commissioners meeting on May 14, 2015. The tentative proposal was opened for publiccomment until June 29, 2015. At the June 11, commissioners meeting the MTA proposed an alternative proposaland formally submitted that proposal on June 22, 2015. Continued on page 21 20

CAT TRAPPING CONTINUEDThe FWP legal team now has the opportunity to review the alternate proposal and present it to the plaintiffs todetermine if the settlement agreement is favorable. If the FWP Commissioners choose to do so they may accept thealternate proposal, modify it or ignore it.Canada Lynx occupy portions of Montana and those areas area referred to as “Lynx Protection Zones” or LPZ’s. In1999 the Montana FWP commission closed the lynx hunting and trapping season and imposed a requirement thatany incidentally captured lynx that could not be released uninjured must be reported. That requirement was sinceexpanded and now all incidentally trapped lynx must be reported within five days. Additional regulations wereimposed since that time including limiting the size of leaning poles to 4 inches or less, requirements to use relaxingsnares at bobcat sets and limiting the use of body gripping traps larger than 5 inches to containment inside a boxrecessed 7 inches and with an opening no greater than 52 square inches.These regulations have greatly reduced incidental capture of lynx in fact, since the inception of relaxing snare locksand regulations for using body gripping traps no lynx have been captured in those types of sets. Additionally, lessthan one lynx per year have been incidentally trapped since 1999. Research conducted between 1998 and 2002showed zero mortality over time for lynx captured and released by trappers. New Regulations Proposed by the FWP Legal TeamIn addition to existing restrictions for trappers targeting bobcats within LPZ’s the following regulations have beenproposed:Rabbit or hare parts, whether for flagging purposes or for bait, may not be used within 30 feet of a set trap.The use of natural flagging such as bird wings, feathers, or pieces of fur may not be used within 30 feet of a set trap.The use of fresh meat baits is not allowed (only tainted bait allowed)The use of snares are not allowed unless they; Have a cable diameter greater than or equal to 5/64 inches Have loops that are larger than 8 inches measured from side to side; andfor trappers targeting bobcat, the use of foothold or leghold traps are not allowed unless they:Have an inside jaw spread of less than or equal to 5 3/8 inches.Are placed in a leaning pole set with a diameter of no larger than 4 inches and with trap and bait set at least 48inches above the ground; or are equipped and set with a minimum 10 pound pan tension device .Any incidentally caught lynx that is uninjured must be immediately released, if possible. Any trapper whoaccidentally takes a lynx is required to notify theirlocal conservation officer as soon as possible orwithin 24 hours. Persons who know about the takeof a lynx shall report it.Trappers targeting bobcat are required to visuallycheck their traps at least once every 48 hours. Continued on page 22 21

CAT TRAPPING CONTINUEDThe Proposal by the Montana Trappers Association recommends that traps meeting Best Management Practicesstandards (BMPS) be utilized including the use of larger traps because simply stating that a smaller trap is better thana larger trap disqualifies many traps offering advanced technology such as laminated jaws, center swiveling andoffset jaws. The BMPs are carefully researched recommendations designed to address animal welfare and increasetrappers’ efficiency and selectivity.The MTA also opposes the 48 hour trap check requirement and offered instead that a regulation of once in twocalendar days be implemented to allow for trappers to check traps every other day, as agreed in the StipulatedSettlement, but would allow for flexibility for trappers to not visually check the trap at exactly the same time everyday the trap is checked.The MTA is willing to accept some restrictions until such time as the State of Montana receives an Incidental TakePermit (ITP) which is expected to be approved within the next two years but will not accept regulations that arepoorly agreed upon. This is the fourth nearly identical lawsuit to be filed regarding lynx by litigious groups. Thestates of Maine and Minnesota have each been sued with different outcomes while the Idaho and Montana litigationcontinues. These regulations would apply only to traps set for bobcat within the LPZ’s. The regulations that will be implemented for the 2015/2016 will be determined before the trapping season begins but have not yet been determined. (406) 529-5492 22

A TRIBUTE TO DAD Jess Shaw won our Father’s Day Essay contest and now sports a pink camo Montana Woods N Water hat! Thanks for sharing Jess! Dad By Jess Shaw There's not a single adventure, activity, or memory of the outdoors that i could share with you that wouldn't involve three meaningful words. These words entail a special fondness, a sense of pride, the words; \"With My Dad\". That being said, I could out talk the chattiest of Cathys, and defend beyond measure why my dad is without a doubt, “The Greatest.”. The person that I am today is the cause of many things,but a great deal of well deserved credit goes to my father, Tony Rebo, he didn't just teach me valuable life lessons or generalhow-tos, but his particular type personality is something I've discovered and have inherited, resulting in always trying my best,paying attention to detail, picking up any slack, among several other necessary life characteristics.It is known among Montanans, and I've actually been told by a surprising amount of out-of-staters that we learn certain thingsa little earlier in life than most, perhaps due to a type of eagerness, a curious sense of adventure passed down throughgenerations. (I claim it to be the result of living under our big sky, and the breathtaking beauty across our vast state.)I was 4, maybe 5 years old, and I remember mom carrying me upstairs after my baby sis was fast asleep. She placed me on the kitchen floor next to dad, and putting on my very first pair of tiny hiking boots, decorated with \"Esmeralda\" from the Disney movie \"Hunchback of Notre Dame\"…this is where I learned to tie my shoes. In the oncoming years, dad taught me not to point my Donald Duck fishing pole tip in the creek, cause that's how it gets dropped and dad would have had to chase it down stream. He taught me how to bait my own hooks with a worm in a 'J' shape so the fish won't see the hook. He taught me how to gut and clean a fish. In addition he taught me the importance of an organized tackle box, that which I spent years perfecting. When it came to hunting season, we begin with the ever important A.I.S. Rule. Ass In Seat at the crack of dawn. As I'd walk my sleepy self out the door to the truck, my Dad always had my gloves warming on the dashboard heater, and if I was lucky, my very own thermos filled not with coffee, but dads specialty watered down hot cocoa. On our journey dad explained that a butter and cheese sandwich prevents soggy bread, and a side of Vienna sausage were all the nutrition you needed to be a great hunter. I was shown the special spot where our huntingCD was played and learned the words to all dads favorite Johnny Cash songs. Now before I was of age to hunt it was myresponsibility to spot the animals, which throughout my younger years I developed the notion that I was \"the best spotterever\". Dad was always bragging and telling others how I was his lucky charm.I remember first understanding the death of animals, and that hunting your own food, and self-sufficiency were important qualities. He let me find out for myself by poking the stomach portion of a fresh gut pile will make your eyes water and your stomach turn. I recall asking countless amount of questions regarding where the different parts of the animals were, why the heart was still warm or why organs looked the way they did, Dad never failed to have a perfect answer. As I got older I was explained the rules of absolutely no giveaways while hunting: such as make up, perfume, or even deodorant. I was also shown the specific hunting clothes and gear tote equipped with no-scent laundering detergent and of course his favorite, urine spray. I accepted all rituals excluding the pee spray, leaving dad to believe that it would be \"okay\" to secretly walk behind me on trails and spray the back of me with said spray. Continued on page 25. 23

Darby’s fish!24

A TRIBUTE TO DAD CONTINUEDWhen it came time for me to fire my first gun, I wasfilled with years of wonder having watched Dad teachmy two older siblings the ropes, and could hardlycontain my excitement. I remember never feelingnervous, having grown accustomed to the blast ofnumerous rifles and shotguns. My only fears I'll admitwere failing to make my father proud, and not correctlyshowing my younger sister Ashley my own set of ropes.The day was late-spring and sunny. We had spent themorning fishing at a favorite spot, near Sylvan Lake.That day I remember finding a baby turtle shell, so newit was still soft. Even more memorable, witnessing thesight of my first newborn fawn. My sister Ash and I wereswimming under and around a log that had fallen overthe stream when dad announced it was time. Aftersetting three empty \"soda\" cans upon a stump in a row,I stood where dad showed, and with pride backed up 8or so steps. He handed me the beloved open sight 22. Icalmly raised it remembering what I was told, aimedand fired. Cocked and fired again. It was a proud day forall as we stood gazing at the empty spot where thethree cans once stood. I will never, ever, forget theadmiring look on my Dad’s face, knowing that I wasreturning the same look. This experience taught me thatputting what you know to be true to any test, oftenresults in success.In the following years I would learn the pain of missing ashot, the incredible feeling of harvesting an animal, thetrophy antlers or hide, and the ability to provide meatfor my family.During many of our hunting trips, and also hunting camps, I was allowed to test my skills behind the wheel of dads Chevypickup. My exact age at the time may or may not refer to my previous statement of \"Montanans learning things earlier inlife;)\". The thrill of being in control of such a large machine was unforgettable. Not to mention another example of makingDad proud. Ash my younger sister was now old enough to hunt and again the three of us went out on the prowl. During thistrip we were road hunting high up a ridge, when all of a sudden (in Dad’s words) \"Bambi's Dad\" appeared majestically in frontof us. The truck skidded to a stop and within seconds Dad was up the steep mountain side after the gigantic buck quicker thanan Olympic runner, leaving Ash and I in his dust. We waited forhim near the truck listening hard for his gun to fire, and afterroughly thirty minutes he was making his way back down the hill.Immediately we could tell something was wrong. A color deeperthan the orange on his vest flushed across his face and it was thefirst time I'd seen my Dad look as though he might pass out. Ashand I panicked realizing that this was finally the award winningbuck that had taken our fathers breath away. We began to argueabout which way we would drive to save Dad, and which one ofus would drive, I being the oldest put my foot down, and justbefore \"Plan To Save Dad\" was initiated we heard him mutterthrough calming breaths, \"Damn buck nearly killed me, and Ididn't even get a shot!\" This has become one of our greatest (notto mention most funny) memories of learning to drive that weenjoy telling to anyone who will listen. Continued on page 27 25

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A TRIBUTE TO DAD CONTINUED Over the many years Dad has taught each of us our ownlessons and I proudly admit that I'm a part of one of the closestfamilies around. In our six person family, we spend everymoment awake, with each other. When we weren'tparticipating in a sport, we were cheering the other familymembers on. We constantly traveled for the incredible amountof sports each of us participated in. We were even lucky enoughto have the best coach for many of these sports activities, ourDad.We'd spend our winters ice fishing, and our favorite, skiing.Now I must mention, my first memory of ice fishing one of thefew times Lake Koocanusa froze over. I was maybe four yearsold and I was wearing the most ridiculously flammable snowsuit known to man. I was taking a break, warming my tiny handsby the propane heater. Dad warned me at least five times notto get to close…to late, the sleeve of my coat caught fire andDad rolled me around on the ice. Escaping the flames withnothing but a small burn on my middle finger, I learned thatwhen Dad says \"hot\" stay the heck back.The incredible memories I have throughout the years, outdoorsor not, has taught me the importance of family. The strength ofour bond and our love. I am thankful to have the world’sgreatest teacher, coach, sportsman, listener, secret keeper,advice giver...my Dad. But most incredibly, he is capable of hisown, amazing, type of love that only the best Dad can give. 27

SUMMER FUN 28