Affiliate’s Corner – June/July 2008
Anaconda Sportsmen Club (ASC) – Current fuel prices have influenced ASC’s annual picnic usually held at their campsite on the Big Hole River. This year’s event will be held at Washoe Park in Anaconda on August 23rd.
ASC remains concerned about domestic sheep grazing leases on state land in close proximity to bighorn sheep range. Disease contracted by bighorn sheep from domestic sheep has been proven to be detrimental to wild sheep historically. ASC will continue to monitor the situation and discourage MT DNRC from issuing grazing leases for domestic sheep on state lands in occupied bighorn sheep habitat.
Big Sky Upland Bird Association (BSUBA) – BSUBA and MWF succeeded in getting an early youth pheasant hunt finalized during FWP’s 2008 tentative regulation process in conformance with a resolution sponsored by BSUBA and passed by MWF in 2006. Additionally, BSUBA is exploring charitable grant opportunities to fund exclusive block management area(s) for youth hunters.
BSUBA is gearing up for their Wing Shot Warm-up classic sporting clay shoot to be held on August 30, 2008, at the Myers Ranch Sporting Clay course located between Ovando and Helmville in the Blackfoot River Valley .
Billings Rod and Gun Club (BR&GC) – BR&GC takes a serious role in nurturing future hunters and anglers. They sponsored conservation days in the local high schools and elementary schools. Additionally, they have helped provide instruction in fly tying and fly casting to interested youth.
Bitterroot Valley Houndsmen Association (BVHA) – BVHA, through energetic work succeeded to convert the current lion quota system to individual permits in a major portion of Region 2 in the Bitterroot Valley. Proposed by BVHA and MWF two years ago after this type of permit system was adopted for Region 1, but not for Region 2. Following this adoption, BVHA has been working with FWP Region 2 on an interim mountain lion plan.
BVHA President Calvin Ruark and MWF Rep Rod Bullis attended the 9th Mountain Lion Workshop in Sun Valley Idaho early in May. Programs were presented by researchers from Florida, Canada and the Rocky Mountain west. President Ruark invites the public to a family fun day at the Skalkaho Steak House on June 15, 2008.
Custer Rod and Gun Club (CR&GC) – CR&GC is poised to kick off its annual youth shotgun shooting program on June 7th. Six NRA certified instructors will provide guidance through the seven week course resulting in NRA certificates for each youth successfully fulfilling the course and passing the test.
Dawson County R&G (DCR&GC) – DCR&GC is an integral component of the Glendive community evident by its cooperative efforts with other community organizations. Together with the local Walleyes Unlimited chapter they provided assistance in a Kid’s Fishing Day for area 6th graders.
DCR&GC will be on summer break and not meet until September but continues to engage local candidates in discussions about conservation issues and values.
Flathead Wildlife Inc. (FWI) – FWI concluded their meeting schedule year with a picnic at Lone Pine State Park until autumn. The Church Slough boat ramp fought for last year by FWI has not been installed, although the existent ramp has been removed. FWI is seeking funds to pay for a new ramp as provided in the planning process. (See article in Montana Wildlife April/May 2007)
An ongoing effort to develop a commemorative Fishing Access Site initiated by the mother of a deceased Kalispell sportsmen is proceeding slowly. Originally planned for FWP property located on Lake Five near Evergreen, local resident opposition succeeded in stalling the project. Currently, five locations are being considered by FWP Region 1 including the original site on Lake Five; the decision is expected sometime this summer.
President Chuck Hunt has been selected to sit on FWP’s Archery Advisory Council task force formed to determine FWP’s future actions on setting archery permits and seasons.
Gallatin Wildlife Association (GWA) – GWA continues to stay involved with issues relating to treating bison as wildlife in Montana and meet every Wednesday for breakfast; call Glenn Hockett for details, 581-6352.
Great Falls Archery (GFA) – GFA has begun summer competitive shoots with a main event, the King’s Hill Shoot, to be held in Harley Park on July 19 and 20, 2008.
Helena Hunters and Anglers (HeH&A) – HeH&A continues to review activity associated Montana National Guard biathlon project proposed for McDonald Pass on the Helena National Forest. HeH&A has corresponded with Montana’s congressional delegates, the Forest Service, and MT Department of Military Affairs opposing this project and is making plans for a legal challenge if the project is approved. It appears highly likely that the agencies do plan to move forward with the project which has a high potential to do significant harm to the area’s wildlife habitat and the wildlife movement corridor along the continental divide.
Hellgate Hunters and Anglers (HgH&A) – HgH&A matched last year’s banquet success again on March 1, 2008. on Saturday, March 1st, Hellgate Hunters and Anglers held its second annual “Wild Night for Wildlife” A crowd of well over 200 energized participants greeted Senator Jon Tester and were treated to his inspiring comments on hunting, angling and conservation. Wild game food and an ample supply of liquid refreshments helped keep the spirits high! Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission Chairman, Steve Doherty gave a brief presentation and responded eloquently to a number of questions. Hellgate Hunters and Anglers thanks all that attended and continue to support their Mission Statement.
Laurel Rod and Gun Club (LaR&GC) – LaR&GC has also participated with TRCP determining what lands are valuable for hunting and angling and shouldn’t be leased for oil and gas exploration. The May 17th membership party went well, funds collected support conservation efforts. June 5th meeting will have a program by FWP on determining public access.
Libby Rod and Gun Club (LiR&GC) – As a consequence of a series of meetings/programs from various interests on the Scotchman Peaks proposed wilderness area, LiR&GC voted to support protective measures, specifically wilderness designation, for Scotchman Peaks. Presentations as varied as the local snowmobile organization to Montana Wilderness Association to the Friends of Scotchman Peaks to retired FWP Biologist Gayle Joslin who studied the Mountain Goats in the “Peaks” reviewed impacts by increased illegal motorized use of the area especially the recent trend for snowmobile “highmarking” exerting enormous stresses to the wintering goats during their most vulnerable seasons. Although wilderness designation is a controversial issue, club policies were followed by waiting until presentations by all parties were presented and the details reviewed.
LiR&GC continues the construction activities at the county operated shooting range which will result in a new clubhouse suitable for future LR&GC meetings.
Medicine River Canoe Club (MRCC) – MRCC has begun its summer activities with a clean-up day on the Sun River - originally called the Medicine River by local native tribes - near Great Falls; a similar event is scheduled for the Missouri on June 8, 2008, and the public is encouraged to participate. Upcoming floats on the Marias River, Blackfoot River and Missouri River in the Gates of the Mountains and by Hardy Bridge are scheduled for June and July.
Park County R&G (PCR&GC)–PCR&GC still continues to monitor the Ameya Preserve state land bank purchase proposed for the Bullis Creek area south of Livingston (see Montana Wildlife July/August 2007.) PCR&GC has actively sought approval for a Fishing Access Site on the Shields River north of Livingston in recent years. To date, there is no FAS on this popular and productive fishery. PCR&GC has actively collaborated with the local Trout Unlimited chapter on this and other angling related issues.
Public Land/Water Access Association (PLAAI) – PLAAI continues to clarify public access opportunities in Montana and is developing legislation that will clarify procedure on road closures by private parties. The body of the bill will require the submission of evidence to County Commissioners that the road, if traveled by the public, is indeed private before a gate restricting access is installed. PLAAI notes that a government poll on sportsmen’s issues rates public access higher than any other single item.
Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association (RCF&WA) – The RCFWA Annual Picnic will be held at the club property on the Bitterroot River on Sunday, June 22nd, at noon. Picnic is for members and their families. Club will provide meat and drinks.
RCF&WA has gone on the web with a brand new website; go to www.rcfwa.com for more.
Rosebud/Treasure Wildlife Association (RTWA) – RTWA has curtailed club meetings for the summer. They are raffling a .22 rimfire Henry rifle at the Rosebud/Treasure County fair, the proceeds to go towards conservation issues.
Russell Country Sportsmen (RCSA) – RCSA continues its intensive participation in sportsmen’s issues in the Great Falls area. They actively participate in Devil’s Kitchen Work Group concerned with issues surrounding the Beartooth WSA and the Sun River Working Group currently addressing the sale of the Neill Ranch adjacent to the Sun River Wildlife Management Area west of Augusta. RCSA has been facilitating ongoing discussions between the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the handicapped community to improve access to federal lands for the handicapped. RCSA continues to engage all three members of Montana’s congressional delegation on a wide range of issues important to hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
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