Summer 2005 - Wild Sheep Foundation

Summer Newsletter 2005
Volume 26 Issue 2
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
John Coulter
201 Craig
Tracy, MN 56175
(507) 829-2304
(507) 629-3481 fax
coulterj@iw.net
VICE PRESIDENT
Jerry Mariska
14203 410th Avenue
Waseca, MN 56093
(507) 835-1442
jpmmfm@hickorytech.net
TREASURER
Tim McEuen
N14788 Harris Road
Trempealeau, WI 54661
(608) 539-4400
(608) 539-4300 fax
macfnaws@outdrs.net
SECRETARY
Brian Helm
1910 Stowe Avenue
Arden Hills, MN 55112-7826
(651) 631-9273
bhelm@wamnet.com
DIRECTORS
Dick Barr
16205 Creekwood Circle
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 447-4795
richard.barr@mchsi.com
Gregg Boeke
17695 Italy Path
Lakeville, MN 55044
(952) 898-5063
tirapgb@msn.com
Al Burke
2304 Donegal Court
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-2182
al_burke@kelleherconstruction.com
David Evenson
1025 Riders Club Road
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 526-5857
evensondave@charter.net
Al Holland
11933 Highway 65 NE
Blaine, MN 55434
(763) 755-8680
al.holland.b5b0@statefarm.com
Bill Kiefer
1432 Third Street N
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 280-2024
kieferhome@cableone.net
Stewart Shaft
5720 E 115th Street
Northfield, MN 55057
(507) 663-6056
woodland_acres@yahoo.com
Ram Tracks
Winter Newsletter 2005
Volume 26 Issue 1
President’s
Message
Dear FNAWS Family,
Thanks to all of you, we did it once again! Despite a major late season snowstorm crippling
much of the upper Midwest, our loyal members and donors battled their way to the Minneapolis
Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka and we had an outstanding 26th Annual MN-WI FNAWS
fundraiser! Once again we had a great taxidermy display and outstanding numbers of
exhibitors and donors. Without loyal and dedicated members and donors such as these, the
good work of MN-WI FNAWS would be impossible. Thanks to everyone that brought
taxidermy, donated to our auctions, exhibited at our show, and just supported MN-WI FNAWS
by being in attendance! Because of these donors and the incredible support of our loyal
membership, MN-WI FNAWS will once again fund well over $200,000 to protect our precious
right to hunt and to continue to put sheep on the mountains!
Our annual spring convention continues to grow and your MN-WI FNAWS Board of Directors
has determined that the time has come to make a major change that we feel our members will
embrace. At our 27th Annual Convention set for March 17-18, 2006, our Friday schedule will
remain the same but there will be major changes on Saturday. There will a brunch on Saturday
morning from about 9 am to 11 am. Your Board has decided to split our auction into two parts
very similar to the procedure used by National FNAWS at their annual convention. Next year
on Saturday, auctions will be held from about 1 to 4 in the afternoon and again in the evening
after our Saturday night banquet starting about 6 pm. We are implementing this change to
make certain the Saturday evening auction and events are completed by 9 pm, giving you time
to visit with your FNAWS family and outfitters. Look for a tentative 2006 Saturday schedule
elsewhere in this newsletter.
Because of our generous members, MN-WI FNAWS has established a solid reputation with
outfitters, and we are able to secure premium hunts for our March convention earlier every
year. New premium auction donations for our 2006 convention include a Marco Polo Sheep
hunt in Kyrgyzstan with George Sevich of Eurasian Expeditions and a Stone Sheep hunt in the
Yukon with Dean Sandulak who operates McMillan River Outfitters! Both of these established
outfitters attended our past convention and decided to donate and join our FNAWS chapter after
attending!
There are so many people to thank for the success of our just completed fundraiser but I feel I
must mention your dedicated and hardworking Board of Directors. Countless hours are spent
preparing for our annual fundraiser and all of the members of this board are willing and capable
workers. Two MN-WI FNAWS Board Members, Jerry Mortier and Don Gould recently decide
to step down from the Board. Both of these fine men were dedicated to MN-WI FNAWS and
constantly proved their dedication by driving seven hours to attend board meetings! Replacing
them on the Board are Gregg Boeke who has headed our silent auction for several years and
Dave Evenson.
PAGE 3
Minnesota-Wisconsin
2004 FNAWS
Funding
If you have a quality picture or two of a 2004-2005 hunting trip
of any kind please use the enclosed hunt report form and
contact Patti Quinnell, the editor of your newsletter, RAM
TRACKS. Patti will work with you to share your hunting
experience with the rest of your FNAWS family. The sharing
of hunting information is an important part of
what we are trying to do with your newsletter. Good
information can save a FNAWS member thousands of dollars
and be the critical difference between a positive and negative
hunting experience. Enjoy your summer and feel free to
contact me at any time with your ideas, suggestions or just to
talk!
The Board of Director of Minnesota-Wisconsin FNAWS is
proud to announce the following funding for 2004. The
funding is only possible because of the generosity of our
wonderful members!
Sincerely,
Funding 2004:
John Coulter
U.S. Sportsman Alliance — $40,000
Future Shows
At A Glance...
IOWA FNAWS CONVENTION
January 14, 2006, Arrowhead Resorts,
Spirit Lake, IA
Wyoming Chapter of FNAWS for Coyote Control in the
Wind River Mts. — $9,000
North Dakota Game & Fish Department for Bighorn Sheep
Management — $65,000
North Dakota Game & Fish Department for Bighorn Sheep
to replace radio collars—$4,000
Idaho Guides and Outfitters — $1,750
Guides and Outfitters of British Columbia — $2,500
SAFARI CLUB INT’L ANNUAL
CONVENTION
January 18-21, 2006, Reno, Nevada
NATIONAL FNAWS 29th ANNUAL
CONVENTION
February 1-4, 2006, Reno, Nevada
OMAHA CHAPTER OF SCI
February 3-4, 2006, Omaha Holiday Inn
Convention Center
GRAND SLAM/OVIS AND OUTFITTERS
CONVENTION
February 9-12, 2006, Biloxi, Mississippi
MN SCI CHAPTER BANQUET
February 17-18, 2006, Northland Inn,
Brooklyn Park, MN
MN-WI FNAWS 27th ANNUAL CONVENTION
March 17-18, 2006, Minneapolis Marriott SW
LAKE SUPERIOR CHAPTER OF SCI
April 7-8, 2006, Grand Casino-Hinckley, MN
Yukon Guides and Outfitters — $1,500
Wildlife Heritage Foundation for Wyoming Bighorn Sheep
Management — $37,800
Wyoming Chapter FNAWS for domestic sheep grazing
Buyout — $7,000
Nevada Department of Wildlife for sheep transfer trailer —
$6,910
Utah Chapter FNAWS for Bighorn Sheep Management —
$32,600
Utah Chapter FNAWS for Predator Control —$10,000
Mexican Biosphere Preservation for Desert Sheep
Management — $50,000
Rice Lake for Families of Slain Deer Hunters—$2,500
That is a total of $270,560 funded by MNWI FNAWS in 2004! The membership of
Minnesota-Wisconsin FNAWS should be very
proud. Congratulations!
PAGE 4
Scenes from the March 2005 Fundraiser!
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
Tentative Schedule
for the
27th Annual MN-WI
FNAWS Convention
March 17-18, 2006
at the Minneapolis Marriott
Southwest in Minnetonka!
Thursday March 16, 2006
6 30 p.m.— MN-WI FNAWS Board
of Directors Meet!
Friday March 17, 2006
2 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Outfitter and Exhibitor
Booths Open!
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Friday Night Banquet
and Auction!
9 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. - Visit with Outfitters
and Donors!
Saturday March 18, 2006
8 a.m. - Outfitter and Exhibitor Booths Open!
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. - Saturday Morning Brunch!
A Preliminary List
of the
PREMIUM HUNTS
that will be Auctioned
March 17-18, 2006 at the
27th Annual MN-WI
FNAWS Convention
2006 North Dakota California Bighorn Sheep
License Contact Randy Kreil-ND Game & Fish:
701-328-6300
2006 Wyoming Bighorn Sheep License
Contact Kevin Hurley-WY Game Dept:
307-527-7125
2006 Mexican Biosphere Desert Sheep License
and Hunt Contact FNAWS President Ray Lee:
307-527-6261
2006 Yukon Stone Sheep in the Yukon with
Dean Sandulak of Macmillian River Outfitters
Value $21,950
web: www.macmillanriveradventures.com
telephone: 204-745-6995
2006 Marco Polo Sheep Hunt in Kyrgyzstan
with George Sevich of Eurasian Expeditions
Value $24,800
web: www.eurasianexpeditions.com
telephone: 301-869-7160
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Saturday Afternoon Auction!
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Gala Saturday Banquet
and Auction!
9 p.m. to 11 p.m.- Outfitter and Exhibitor
Booths Open!
2006 MN-WI CHAPTER
FNAWS BANQUET &
FUNDRAISER
Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
Minnetonka, Minnesota
March 17-18, 2006
PAGE 7
Polar Bear Hunt -Take 3
By Steve Bruggeman, St. Paul, MN
In early April of 2001, I headed north to
Resolute Bay - Nunavut with dreams of
returning home with a great white bear.
However, after spending 17 days being
pulled by 13 very tough dogs on the
frozen Artic Ocean I returned home
unsuccessful and disappointed. Three
weeks later I returned to Resolute to
give it another try. Unfortunately, the
results were the same. During my 25
days on the ice I had seen 26 bears but
no big mature boars. I had traveled over
500 miles by dog sled and had been
colder than I thought possible. So what
did I do next? I booked another polar
bear hunt in a more remote hunting area!
In late April of 2004, I passed through Resolute
Bay once again on my way to Grise Fiord, the northern most
community in the world! From there I rode over 200 miles
on a wooden sled pulled by a snowmobile across the very
rough frozen Arctic Ocean. I met my guide, Jaypatee
Akeeagok, and his dog team when we reached the hunting
area - Norwegian Bay. I booked this hunt because I believed
it was too far for local hunters to go and the bears would have
a chance to grow old there. My journey confirmed that this
area is truly too remote for sane hunters to travel to!
Amazingly after traveling less than a mile across Norwegian
Bay, we cut a big fresh track. Unfortunately the bear got to
close to open water for us to follow. Later that evening we
spotted two more bears about a mile away and determined
that it was a big boar with a sow. Finally the chase was on!!
After about one hour the sow had split away and we were
getting close to the boar. The dogs were released from the
sled and they distracted him enough for me to get within 60
yards. I took careful aim, squeezed the trigger on my
muzzleloader and nothing happened! I quickly worked the
bolt and tried again. When the smoke cleared, I had my bear
and he was a beauty! We later found out that he was 17 years
old and had been tagged 10 years earlier, almost to the day
and within five miles of where we caught him. To add just a
little more excitement to the hunt another bear repeatedly
came into our camp and had to be killed when he charged
Jaypatee just 15 feet from our tent.
I would like to thank Jaypatee and his 11 outstanding dogs
for this amazing arctic adventure.
PAGE 8
North Dakota Game & Fish
By Brett P. Wiedmann
One of the primary objectives of our Comprehensive Bighorn
Telemetry Project, which commenced in 2000, was to locate
lambing areas used by North Dakota’s bighorns. Ultimately, it
was our hope that once identified, we would be able to conduct
habitat improvement projects within these critical areas by
removing adjacent stands of woody vegetation.
Encouragingly, the first such project in North Dakota’s history
took place in 2004, as NDGF personnel, along with volunteers,
began felling juniper trees within our Chateau herd’s lambing
area. Increasing visibility within these critical areas enables
our ewes’ to better detect predators approaching their newborn
lambs, along with increasing the amount of available habitat
and forage as well. Furthermore, because juniper regeneration
is a very slow process, these habitat projects will provide longterm benefits for our bighorns and should hopefully result in
higher lamb recruitment rates in future years.
Because the North Dakota badlands has experienced many
decades of fire suppression, juniper has unfortunately chokedout much of our state’s bighorn habitat. Therefore, we hope
that last year’s inaugural project will be the first of many, as
we intend on conducting prescribed burns and mechanical
removal of juniper for many years to come. In fact, we’re
already scheduling next winter’s project.
We intend on beginning the next phase of our Chateau Habitat
Improvement Project next December and would very much
like to see many MN-WI FNAWS members in attendance. It
will be a fun experience for all involved while helping wild
sheep at the same time. I’ll have more details in the next issue
of Ram Tracks.
Thanks again for all your support! None of this would be
possible without MN-WI FNAWS!
Our hope is to burn the trees that were felled last year while
continuing to fell juniper further along the same lambing
ridge…and this is where MN-WI FNAWS members come in!
We’re looking for volunteers to come out to the North Dakota
badlands next year to assist with this project. It will be a great
way to get youth and adult members involved with “hands-on”
bighorn management in a way that will benefit sheep for many
years to come.
PURPOSE OF THE
FOUNDATION
To promote the management of,
and to safeguard against, the
extinction of wild sheep native to
the continent of North America.
PAGE 9
Exciting Hunt Completed My Capra World Slam
By Jay Link, Minong, WI
I had a tremendous 15-day hunt in Spain in December 2004.
The country was beautiful! Game conditions were very well
managed with structured gamekeepers working full time
protecting wildlife.
I had two outfitters on this trip. The first was Fernando Siaz
and my guide was Boria Garay. On this trip I was able to take
home the following trophies: Grebos Ibex, Beceite Ibex,
Southern Ibex, Ronda Ibex, Pyrenean Chamois and Cantabrian
Chamois!
I was very excited when I got the Pyrenean
Chamois as it completed my “Capra World Slam!”
The second outfitter was Espacaza-Jose Mallo. Jose Mallo
was my guide on this trip. On this trip my trophies included:
European Mouflon, Spanish Red Stag and European Fallow.
Accommodations were the best I ever had on a mountain hunt!
We put on over 5,000 km on our Lexus S.U.V. moving from
hunt area to hunt area. We did a lot of mountain climbing on
snow-covered slippery rocks. We ate lots of olives and
almonds and drank plenty of wine.
Pyrenean Chamois—World Slam Capra Animal
My friends, Lee and Penny Anderson from Naples, Florida,
were hunting with me on this hunt and also had very good
results.
European Moulflon Sheep
Beceite Ibex
PAGE 10
Our Elk Hunt
By Thomas W. Poellinger, Stoddard, WI
At the 2003 MN-WI FNAWS Auction in Minneapolis, I
bought an elk hunt donated by Dave Melton of Big Horn
Outfitters for my son Brian. I upgraded this hunt to include
myself.
The hunt took place in late September of 2003 at the start of
the bugle season. The hunt was on foot and horseback. The
cooking was done over an open campfire, which, of course, is
the best. You sure can’t beat steaks cooked over an open fire!
We stayed in nice wall tents.
Robert Long was our guide and he did an excellent job. He is
a first class guide. I have hunted with him on four different
hunts. Our hunt was two on one with my son being up first.
On the very first day, Robert called a 320 elk to within eight
yards of my son Brian. The elk came out of the dense
vegetation right in the opening in front of him. Needless to
say, my son shot the elk; it ran for 25 yards and died in an
open field.
Two days later I had an opportunity to shoot at an elk, but the
shot was too close to my guide. The elk again was called in by
Robert but came out in an opening within 20 yards. It seems
almost impossible not to be able to get a shot within that
distance, but it happened to me. The second to the last day, on
our way back to camp, Robert stopped to call. An elk that was
very far away answered the call. We were able to make a stalk
while bugling to within 65 yards. There a magnificent elk was
in the setting sun. I shot with my 300 Winchester and down he
went. Several hours later, after dark, the happy hunters arrived
back in camp.
Bighorn Outfitters is a quality outfitter and Robert Long is an
outstanding guide!
PAGE 11
Hunting in Zimbabwe
By Dave Swenson, Hudson, WI
On August 29th, Judi and I left for the African Safari in
Zimbabwe we had been dreaming about ever since we
booked the trip with Steve Gillhouse from World Adventures.
Our flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg was eighteen hours;
once we got there we boarded a two hour flight for Harare,
which was a walk in the park. Our P.H. Scott Guthrie from
Zindele Safaris meet us as we got off the plane. He was a
welcome sight after flying for a day and a half. We had a
good laugh when Scott helped the immigration officials fill
out the paper work. We were out of the airport in fifteen
minutes thanks to Scott. We then went to Scott and Carolyn's
house to spend the night before heading out to hunt.
The next morning Scott, Carolyn, Judi and I left for the
airport for the two hour flight to Chirsa where we would
begin our hunt. Scott's trackers met us at the airstrip and took
us to camp. It was absolutely gorgeous. It overlooked the
Sengwa River and we watched the animals the whole time we
were there. We saw as many animals crossing the river, even
though it was the dry season, as we did when we were
hunting.
The next morning we went to the government offices and
picked up our licenses and our game scouts, and deceided to
hunt on the way back since we were waiting for Judi's P.H.
Scott Baily to get to camp. We needed leopard bait, so when
we saw the impala the hunt was on. The first three days we
hunted bait for the leopards I shot three impala, a giant
warthog, and a baboon. Judi shot impala and a bushbuck.
Before we left Chirsa I shot a waterbuck, grysbok, bushbuck,
and reedbuck. The big prize for me was the buffalo. Scott
told me we weren't going to shoot a buffalo after 5 pm for
safety reasons. The trackers were replacing leopard bait, so
Scott and I went for a walk. We jumped a buff at 5:30 and
Scott yelled shoot so I did, three shots later my buffalo was
down.
Leopards were plentiful, but they just wouldn't cooperate
with me, Judi and the leopards got along a lot better. Three
evenings in the blinds she saw three cats, the third was hers. I
sat at least nine times and saw one female. A lot of things
can go wrong cat hunting; I learned a few of them. We even
got busted by the elephants twice. Judi also shot a zebra and
a baboon while we were at Chirsa.
Day 15 we were off to Lemco in southern Zimbabwe for
another 5 days of plains game hunting. We started off with a
giraffe, one massive animal. Again I shot him at 5 pm.
Besides the giraffe, I shot eland, bush pig, impala, kudu,
steenbok, warthog, and blue wildebeest. Judi shot zebra,
warthog, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, guinea fowl, and
francolin. It was a wild five days!
Prior to our leaving we heard all kinds of rumors, and heard
state department warnings about travel to Zimbabwe, but we
never felt threatened or unsafe. Everywhere we went we
were treated extremely well.
We had such a great time; we can't wait to go back. Judi
decided she wants to go back for a lion and elephant.
Check out our
Website:
www.fnawsmnwi.org
PAGE 12
Spain Hunting Trip
By Thomas W. Poellinger, Stoddard, WI
Felix Lalanna of Safari Brokers donated a hunt in Spain to the
2003 National FNAWS Banquet in Reno, which I purchased
and went on in the fall of 2004. My guide was Alvaro Villegas.
My wife, Mary Jane, joined me on this hunting, sightseeing
trip.
The hunt was a success. I took three first-class animals which
were free roaming in the mountains of Spain. They were a
Mouflon Sheep, Pyenean Chamois and Beceite Ibex. The
animals were all at least seven years old.
The hunt also included exquisite dining, spacious rooms and
superb transportation including high-speed trains across Spain
from one hunting area to another. It was an exciting trip!
Congratulations
to the following MN-WI Chapter members for winning hunts
at the FNAWS National Convention
in the ExtRAMaganza Raffle…
CRAIG JOHNSON…
won a Marco Polo hunt in Tajikiastan!
JOHN BABLER…
won a Central Barren Ground Caribout Hunt!
Winners from our March Fundraiser will be listed in the
Fall Issue of Ram Tracks.
Thank You
To all who send in their hunting stories.
Included with this newsletter is a Hunt
Report Form for you to fill out.
Remember...if you bought or won an auction
hunt, you owe it to the donor, fellow
members and your chapter to file a complete
and timely hunt report! Please send all
member hunting reports, photos and
correspondence to:
Patti Quinnell, Newsletter Editor
307 Division Street, Northfield, MN 55057
Ramtracks@rconnect.com
Deadline for Next Issue:
PAGE 13
Hunting at
Big Timber
Rocky Mountain
Bighorn Ram
By Justin Brown, Inver Grove Heights, MN
By Steve Bruggeman, St. Paul, MN
My
In November of 2004, I went on a Mule Deer Hunt with K
Lazy Z Outfitters in Big Timber, Montana. This was my
third hunt with K Lazy Z and by far the best! My guide’s
name was Brett Todd. We traveled to the hunt area on
horseback. On the first day of hunting, we saw a few deer
but they were too far away and too small. The second day
was a different story. We spotted a couple different nice
bucks and picked one out we wanted to stalk. We watched
him for a while and then we lost him. It was getting late in
the day so we sat down to rest before heading back to the
horses. Next thing I knew, there was a deer not more than 40
yards away. This was a completely different deer – a bigger
deer. He spotted us and took off running. He ran about 200
yards down into a valley. I set up for my shot, missed once,
and then on the second shot he was down. This was the most
exciting hunt for me to date!
hunt for a Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram began in January
2004 at the National FNAWS Convention in Reno. I had a
lengthy conversation with Bob Fontana of Elk Valley Bighorn
Outfitters about the possibilities of taking a big ram with a
muzzleloader. Based on Bob's optimism and previous success,
I purchased the late season permit and booked the hunt. Plans
were made to travel to Fernie, B.C. in early November to
search for a trophy ram. Tragically in late July, I received the
shocking news that Bob had been killed by a charging cape
buffalo while hunting in Tanzania. I immediately sent a note
expressing my condolences to his wife Anna, and was
surprised to get a quick response saying "don't worry about
your hunt, everything is well organized and will go on as
planned." As promised, Anna and her crew rose to the
challenge and provided me with an outstanding hunt.
On the fifth day of the hunt, we located two big rams and
began a lengthy stalk. As light was fading I was able to get a
145-yard shot at the biggest ram with my muzzleloader. At
the shot the ram disappeared, and after reloading we followed
the short trail to one of the most beautiful rams I had ever
seen. We only had time to take a few photos before darkness
set in.
There was a lot of celebrating on the mountain and into the
wee hours of the morning as the ram was measured and
admired by the whole crew and many of their friends that
stopped by to see the ram.
After the 60-day drying period, my ram officially scored 197
7/8, making him the new muzzleloader world record. I only
regret that Bob Fontana was not there to enjoy our success,
but I know he was looking down on our hunt and was very
proud of his wife and crew and the great job they did.
PAGE 14
Getting Hooked On Hunting
By Mary Price, Kiel, WI
Last February, Dave McCarthy asked me if I would consider
trying hunting. I have always been a person who is willing to
give it a try at least once. I had never held a gun, much less
fired one. In March Dave took me to the Kiel Fish & Game
and gave me his 22-250 to start practicing on and getting me
ready for turkey hunting. I enjoyed it very much and actually I
was pretty good at it.
In April I went on my first hunt, it was for turkey in Eastman,
Wisconsin. It was fantastic! I didn't realize that turkeys slept
in trees and all the gobbling that they did. It was beautiful.
From that moment on I was hooked, especially once I fired the
first shoot and the turkey was on the ground.
I love being outdoors and enjoying all the beautiful things that
are out there and mainly the fact that Dave and I can enjoy
doing it together. We have watched so many beautiful
sunrises and sunsets together and just being together and
sharing all the beauty of nature and each others
accomplishments.
Dave has been my biggest supporter. He cheers me on and is
more excited than I am when I shoot and get an even bigger
one than him! He is truly the main influence of my success
and love for the sport.
The picture is of the Caribou that I shot in the Yukon with
Blackstone Outfitters in October. The other picture is of my
dessert mule deer that I shot in Hermosillo, Mexico with
Amigo Outfitters in January. The mule deer scored 196 and I
shot him at 483 yards with a 270. I still can't believe that I
possibly could have done that!!!
PAGE 15
Comparing Notes on Mature Whitetails
By Al Kuntz, Al’s Worldwide Adventures
Of all 30 specie recognized in North America, the whitetail
deer is by far the most popular straight across the board. It is
the mature whitetail buck that has affected more of us in the
hunting industry than all others combined. Consider the fact
that this extremely adaptable creature thrives in over 95% of
North America, from Mexico, to northern Canada, often times
in our backyards and within the city limits. Yet it has been
said (and I, for one, agree) that a truly mature whitetail of
trophy caliber is one of the hardest trophies to obtain. Many
have lady luck plop one in their lap, but to consistently take
trophy class whitetails, one must create their own luck.
Novels continue to be written on this subject, with more
opinions out there than Minnesota has lakes. In my 36 years
of whitetail hunting with a bow, muzzleloader, shotgun and
rifle, I have come to the conclusion that all you can do is stack
the deck in your favor, the rest is up to luck and Mother
Nature. The following is a brief summary of what myself and
hundreds of my clients have done over the years to stack that
deck.
mature to 4-6 years of age, they could have been true trophies.
More and more sportsmen are realizing that taking a doe is
much better for the quality of the herd than taking those young
bucks.
Private ranches, large tracts of private ground, park systems, as
well as suburbia offer the whitetail the sanctuary they need to
grow up. The most frustrating if not impossible angle in
hunting mature bucks in the lower 48 is securing the property
in which to hunt. After 30 years of these frustrations I decided
to invest my efforts in Canadian whitetail hunting.
Any of the Canadian provinces can and do produce big bucks,
My personal preferences have been Manitoba, Saskatwean,
and Alberta, hunting each one of these areas multiple times has
proved to me that a man has a much better chance of seeing
and harvesting a mature buck in these regions. If for no other
reason, the sheer lack of hunting pressure.
AL’S PERSONAL HOT SPOTS
Creating the Mature Whitetail
If one dreams of taking a mature whitetail, they must first hunt
where they exist. Sounds basic, but very over looked by many.
Genetics, age (4-6 years old) and nutrition all are important
factors to consider. Without all three, it is not possible for a
buck to achieve trophy status, and even then only a small
percent will ever reach that magic 150” class plus status. Keep
in mind, a trophy not only is in the eyes of the beholder, but
also varies greatly from region to region.
Midwest bucks can get as big as anywhere, but often lack the
opportunity due to heavy hunting pressure. The sad fact is
over 90% of the bucks taken in the lower 48 are 1½ year old 46-8 pt immature deer. Had these same bucks had the chance to
Manitoba
Manitoba is a popular destination for many from the Midwest
since they can drive there. Two of my personal favorite areas
in Manitoba are the Riding Mountains and the Ducks
Mountains. Both are huge provincial parks with the needed
sanctuary, excellent outfitters, and personal service. Archery
and muzzleloader hunting is late October to early November;
rifle hunting is three weeks in November.
The most unique wilderness whitetail hunt that I have
experienced was a horseback hunt. There are no motorized
vehicles allowed within the park that this outfitter has 16 tags
grand-fathered in. A three hour horseback ride will get you to
his remote base camp with all the comforts, dozens of
elevated, heated enclosed blinds overlooking some of the most
PAGE 16
Comparing Notes (continued)
these hunts than they ever encountered from their homeland.
If only we could convince everyone to let those three year
olds walk. The average three year old will have 8-10 pts,
score 135-145”, but missing the mass. Once a buck makes
the magic 5 year plus mark he can produce antlers of trophy
caliber.
Recently I spent Thanksgiving week up there; perfect timing!
Upon our arrival it cooled down some, 3-4” of snow and the
rut was on. I saw a minimum of ten different bucks chasing
does every day. At 9:00 am on my fifth morning, the stud I
was waiting for trailed a doe to the bait. Keep in mind that
these big boys rarely feed at the bait during the rut, but they
do hang out for the hot does.
beautiful whitetail habitat you ever saw. There are four
hunters per week. I personally took two 160-class whitetails
in this region of the Duck Mountains.
Alberta
Awesome deer hunting from south to north, lots of options
from August through December, all weapons, 200” monsters
taken ever year. One of the more popular options is that you
can hunt whitetail or mule deer or both at the same time.
With both tags in your pocket, trophy class bucks of each
specie can be taken.
A few years ago while on a nine day two deer combo hunt I
My son, Jake, can testify that hunting the southern bow only
zone can be awesome as well in late October. Moments after
he zipped a broad head through a dandy 8 pointer, a massive
non-typical over 200” stepped into the same shooting lane.
Saskatchewan
Much of the popularity of hunting this region is the fact that
baiting is permitted. I have hunted in various corners of this
region with unreal success. Plan on seeing more bucks per
day than you will the entire season hunting at home. An
average day will produce 5-10 buck sightings and at least that
many does. They have a liberal 5-week season, all of
November and the first week of December with huge tracts of
hunting territory and enclosed heated blinds. The biggest
problem here is knowing when to drop the hammer on a buck.
Most clients will testify that they saw larger bucks while on
decided to spend a couple of days checking out the mule deer
bucks in the foothills of the Rockies. Sure I saw 175” plus
class mulies, but I also ran into the largest whitetail I have
ever seen with a rifle in my hand. With a perfect rest on a
calm day, I should have dropped him cleanly even though it
was over 400 yards, but all I have to show for that shot was a
handful of brisket hair. Something about a large buck can
make ya make mental errors!!!!
Eastern Colorado
One of the few areas in the lower 48 that I get extremely
excited about is eastern Colorado. Preference points are
required for muzzleloader or rifle, but bow hunters can hunt
every year. I strongly advise applying for preference points
for deer, which allow you to take mule deer (180”-220”) or
whitetail (150”-190”.)
PAGE 17
Mexico
Without a question, this is one of the most enjoyable whitetail
hunts anywhere; elevated blinds, warmer weather, baited food
plots. Plan on seeing over 50 deer per day. These bucks tend to
have 140-200# body weight, but still produce 140-200” racks.
We insist on placing a guide with all first timers to assist in
trophy judgment. You can also take javelina, bobcat, and quail.
Welcome New Life
Members !
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS
Don Graham, Holmen, WI
#169
When I look back on my 36 years of whitetail hunting, 27 years
of which was 100% archery only, I can honestly say the only
common denominator factor for taking all my best bucks has
been patience, persistence and luck.
Jerry Anderson, Virginia, MN
#170
We have all read a million words on the latest techniques to
harvest monster bucks, and as far as I am concerned, none of
them are consistent enough to base our entire hunting seasons on.
Jim Hoffman, Bemidji, MN
#172
William “Butch” Townsend,
Newcastle, WY
#173
Charles Keller,
Wisconsin Dells, WI
#174
Scott Jesseman, Sugar Grove, IL
#175
I will say, however, whenever I am on a guided hunt I tend to
spend 100% all day in the field (all my best bucks have been
taken from 10:00 am-2:00 pm), the same hours that few of us
hunt when we are hunting near home or up north at the cabin.
Timing is a controversial subject at best. When rifle hunting
over the last few years I have leaned towards the later hunts.
Since 1997 with El Ninio, our winters have been slow to develop.
I feel the kiss of death in trophy whitetail hunting can be warm
weather. Just imagine yourself chasing ladies all night long with
your warmest clothes on! Cooler temps and some snow helps
keep all deer on the move.
The lunar effect has been a huge subject over the years. One
thing for sure, those bucks have to rut sometime. This year the
full moon fell during the peak of the rut. I personally
experienced good activity all day long with at least 50% of my
best bucks taken during the mid day hours during the full moon.
In summary, in my opinion, anyone wanting to take mature
bucks needs to get out of the rut they have placed themselves in
and schedule a guided hunt where big bucks live with a quality
outfitter, in a premium area. This is not to say they cannot
continue their local good old boy hunt with the gang, but most
clients will agree that they learned and experienced more in those
six days than they could have ever read about or watched on
videos.
Armand Brachman, Orono, MN #171
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PAGE 18
Utah Bighorn Project Update
By Jericho Whiting
Thank you very much for your contribution. With this money we were able to hire a seasonal employee and obtain accurate population counts on Antelope Island State Park, which revealed that the bighorn members are well above management objective. Subsequently, this fall 30 California bighorns will be trapped and translocated to other areas in northwestern Utah to begin additional
founder herds. Also, we acquired accurate population counts of a far-removed population on the Newfoundland Mountains of
northwestern Utah and discovered that the growth of this herd was much greater than previously thought. This data prompted managers to consider issuing Utah’s first California bighorn tag as soon as the 2006 hunting season.
This project will proceed for the next three years. We are using motion-sensor cameras to investigate specific water-use requirements of bighorns throughout the summer (the following photos were taken with motion-sensor cameras). We will also collect
data regarding bighorn use of springs and the correlation with densities of lungworm larvae. This data will elucidate bighorn need
for water and the probability of lungworm-larvae transmission at springs located in different habitats, which will promote better
management of bighorns in Utah.
Hunt Report Form
MN-WI FNAWS hunt report form-"My hunting trip!"
Location of Hunt: _________________________________________________________
Dates of Hunt: ___________________________________________________________
Travel arrangements: ______________________________________________________
Hunter's name: ___________________________________________________________
Hunter's address: _________________________________________________________
Telephone number: _______________________________________________________
Outfitter for this hunt: _____________________________________________________
Outfitter's telephone number: ________________________________________________
Guide's name: ____________________________________________________________
Amount of game seen: _____________________________________________________
Weather during hunt: ______________________________________________________
Trophy or trophies taken: __________________________________________________
Methods of hunting used: __________________________________________________
General paragraph describing your hunt:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Important reminder!
Two clear pictures showing the hunter and the trophy or trophies is a
requirement! Remember, "A good picture is worth a thousand words!"
**Send your pictures and completed form to: Patti Quinnell, 307 Division Street, Northfield, MN 55057 or
email it to: ramtracks@rconnect.com
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