Yellowstone Country Safety * Be Bear Aware while Hunting *

Bow hunting season has begun. Good luck to all those who are stalking elk, deer or moose. Take bear spray and a handgun. The first injurious encounter between a bowhunter and a grizzly occurred Monday up Yale Creek.

Yellowstone Country Safety * Bowhunter Consideration *

If you see a bow hunter’s rig parked in an area of the forest, find an alternative spot a few miles away to target practice or bird hunt. Once a shot rings out in the area, the bow hunt is over for the day and all the preparation is wasted.

Yellowstone Country Safety * Bow Hunting Courtesy *

When bow hunting, if you see a rig parked roadside, give the area plenty of space. There is nothing more frustrating than spending all day setting up a hunt only to have someone walk through the area that you are working.

Things Are About to Change

The final holiday weekend of the summer has arrived. Vacations are concluding, kids are going back to school and many are storing their camping equipment until next year.

The activities of those who live in the mountains are changing as well. Businesses will begin winding down next week. Summer cabins will be shuttered for the winter. Residents will prepare for the snow to come; urgently completing repairs to their cabins that were postponed during the busy summer season. Firewood will be cut and stored and hunting season will begin this week with the bow hunt.

It is time to break out the camouflage, check gear and search for that once-a-year successful encounter with an elk. Anticipating the hunt with the hopes and dreams of a child’s Christmas, the mind sorts through the scenarios and reactions that may be experienced in the forest.

The cow calls and bugles are rehearsed. The bow string is waxed and the arrows are fitted with broadheads. The camo is laundered in scent-free soap and hung on a line to air dry. The bathroom is stocked with scent-free shower soap and deodorant.

The day pack is stocked with the essential items that have not congregated together for the past year. A compass, water bottles, GPS, knives, rope, bear spray, pistol, ammo, light, matches, Allen wrenches, Leatherman, folding saw, binoculars and a camera are all packed in anticipation the adventure to come.

Optimism is high for a successful hunt but fall in Yellowstone country brings its own anticipation. September is the most beautiful month in mountain country. The leaves change to their brilliant colors; the aspen are shrouded in bright yellow and the scrub maple in orange and red. As the temperature cools, the animals prepare for the coming winter with their own sense of urgency. The stillness of the forest will be interrupted by the constant thud of pine cones on the forest floor as the squirrels release them from pine boughs, soon to be stockpiled.  The bull elk will bugle, their primeval cry for a mate echoing through the pines.

It is an exciting time to be in the forest as a participant and an observer. Things are about to change. 

Island Park has an Archery Range!

I was visiting with Greg Walker last week when the topic of the archery hunt came up. As we talked about elk hunt our enthusiasm built until we had pulled out our bows and began comparing equipment. We were faced with the realization that the hunt is a month away and we hadn’t flung an arrow this summer! 

It seemed like a good excuse to attend the opening of the new 3-D target course at Eagle Ridge Ranch. Steve Hyde and Gary Preston constructed the archery range. After a short scenic drive to the end of Old Shotgun Road is the ranch. As we neared the far side of the compound we were greeted by Steve and Gary.

After exchanging pleasantries, Greg and I broke out the bows and hit the course. There are 27 3-D wildlife targets placed at regular intervals along a shady, flat, forest trail. The targets are all new and of excellent quality. A variety of wildlife were represented including a giant mosquito, turkey, bears, bighorn sheep, large bucks, bull elk and a velociraptor.

After shaking off a little rust, we had an enjoyable experience of walking through the forest, visiting and flinging arrows. For anyone that is getting ready for the hunt, this is a great opportunity to sharpen their skills. For those who enjoy target shooting, this provides an enjoyable experience.

I was able to purchase an annual membership for Sheri and myself for $50, which was extremely reasonable.  They have daily rates and rental equipment for those with a desire to explore the archery experience for the first time.

This course could be the basis for an annual Idaho State Bowhunters Association shoot in Island Park. The location is every bit as inviting as the state-wide shoot in Stanley. The quantity and quality of targets are equal to any area bow shoot. What can be better than walking through the forest with a weapon and visiting with friends and family!

Give Eagle Ridge a call at 208-558-08900 and they will hook you up. 

Bows and Knives

I enjoy sharing the experiences of the outdoors with my grandkids. I took my grandson Luke down to Coffee Pot Trail. While hiking along the river, I pointed out a few fresh moose tracks and some moose sign (poop). We discussed the difference between moose and elk sign. A few days later, Luke accompanied his mother and a friend on an afternoon fishing excursion. Upon their return, Heather said that her son correctly identified moose tracks and sign without being prompted.

Since Luke was showing an interest in the outdoors, I provided him a small bow and set up a target in the backyard. It didn’t take long for him to successfully impale the target from 20 feet. He was genuinely excited with his success.

It was time to teach this almost-five-year-old how to use a knife. I raided my stash of new knives that I keep for such occasions. Luke was surprised when I produced a 3 inch pocket knife. We began with a conversation about knife safety and practiced opening and closing the knife. We progressed to the proper technique of skinning bark from a stick, always cutting away from your body.  When we were through, he returned his knife to me for safe keeping.

The following day Luke and I went to the bank.  As we arrived he insisted on returning home to retrieve his knife. He wanted to show it to his friends at the bank, who always welcome him with smiles, kind words and a sucker.  After a quick trip to the cabin, he performed his knife handling skills and received praise and a sucker from the attentive audience. He was beaming with pride as we left.

Teaching outdoor skills provides youth with an alternative to being continually plugged into electronics. You can teach the next generation that knives, bows or guns are useful tools to be used safely and with respect.