Bowhunters of Officials Officers Committee Chairpersons President Bowhunter of the Year Public Relations Steve Martin Brad Jones Deb Anderson 483 Quadrant Drive 43 Kenwood 387 Upper Road Rock Springs, WY 82901 Newcastle, WY 82701 Sheridan, WY 82801 307-350-0486 307-764-4454 307-751-1636 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Vice-President Education Committee Records Committee Harvey Dalton Jeff Capron Tom Zerbst P.O. Box 197 608 9th Street 405 DeSmet Street Farson, WY 82932 Cody, WY 82414 Newcastle, WY 82701 307-389-3829 307-272-2740 307-746-9394 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary Legislative Committee Webpage Joel Hoenk Randy Burtis Michell Anderson 74 Edison Avenue 3550 Luther Place 11 Burro Lane Gillette, WY 82716 Cheyenne, WY 82001 Laramie, WY 82072 307-257-4952 307-752-1089 307-399-3628 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Treasurer Convention Committee Newsletter Editor Susan Barrett Ron Niziolek Michell Anderson P.O. Box 126 907 Gloria Court 11 Burro Lane Dayton, WY 82836 Cody, WY 82414 Laramie, WY 82072 307-655-9405 [email protected] 307-399-3628 [email protected] Membership Committee [email protected] Past President Desarae Starck Jeff Capron 227 Westhills Loop 608 9th Street Gillette, WY 82718 Cody, WY 82414 307-331-1758 307-272-2740 [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] www.bowhuntersofwyoming.org District Representatives Area One Area Two Area Five Warren Hatcher Dan White Jim Mallon P.O. Box 362 56 Appaloosa 2115 Phillips Place LaBarge, WY 83123 Cody, WY 82414 Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-386-9230 307-250-0917 307-630-4083 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Area Three Area Six Wayne Anderson Jake Konrath 387 Upper Road P.O. Box 1273 Sheridan, WY 82801 Saratoga, WY 82331 307-751-1637 307-710-7648 [email protected] [email protected] Area Four Area Seven Dave Baer Glen Reed P.O. Box 498 31 Ridgecrest Drive Mountain View, WY 82939 Newcastle, WY 82701 307-782-7326 307-941-1370 Cover photo: Joel Hoenk 2016 Spring Turkey [email protected] [email protected] Bowhunters of Wyoming

Spring 2016

From The President

Hello everyone! as he shared some hunting experiences that FIND US ON Happy Spring! We reinforced the fact that we all bowhunt for the FACEBOOK! had some late snow experience more than for the trophy! (about a foot) at the I want to thank all those who made donations to end of March, and Inside this issue: the BOW Convention to help us raise money for April has been wet this great organization! We had some great so far. Should be items in the banquet auction and, as always, OFFICER REPORTS 1-3 good for habitat! Steve Martin John Gibbens was extremely entertaining as Hope everyone has AREA REP REPORTS BOW President our auctioneer. I want to thank everyone for 4-7 a chance to get out coming out to support our organization. and enjoy the outdoors this Spring. GAME & FISH 8-9 BOW Area Rep Jim Mallon attended the Game ARTICLE My daughter Shelby and I had a great time at and Fish Commission meeting on January 28th BOW GEAR the BOW Convention this year in Casper! 10-11 in Cheyenne. The major discussion was on big Thanks to all those who made the trip and game migration corridor definitions, the grizzly LETTER TO EDITOR 12 helped with the annual fundraiser. It was great bear delisting process, chronic wasting disease to visit with old friends and meet new ones with CONVENTION PHOTOS updates, and approval of changes to Chapter 13 the same passion for bowhunting! Hats off to 32 regulations relating to archery equipment. Deb Anderson and the rest of the executive CONVENTION REPORT 14-19 council who made it a great weekend! I attended the Game and Fish Commission meeting on March 22nd in Rawlins. The major SUCCESS PHOTOS A lot of topics were discussed in the general 20-21 discussion was on management strategies for meeting in March at the BOW Convention, with chronic wasting disease, mule deer initiative SHOOT INFO 22-23 the main one being to divvy up the money we projects, and mule deer migration projects. received from the two Commissioner Licenses CONTACT INFO I also had a great opportunity to visit with 24 on proposed projects. We also had several key Commissioner Culver and thank him for executive council positions to fill and I want to MEMBERSHIP FORM 25 authorizing the license that we raffled at the thank those members who stepped up to those BOW Convention. The next Game and Fish positions. Thanks also to the members of the Commission meeting is scheduled for April 21- executive council who stepped down for all their 22 in Casper. The big discussion topic will be hard work. The minutes from the meeting are the approval of proposed seasons for this fall. printed elsewhere in this newsletter. I also attended a legislative reception in Speaking of the commissioner licenses, a big Cheyenne, sponsored in part by BOW on thank you to Game and Fish Commissioners February 8th. Keith Culver and David Rael for authorizing On an education note, I conducted a bowhunter BOW to market the two licenses. We raffled education class in Rock Springs on February one of the licenses at the banquet; a huge 27th. I also assisted my good friend Bill thank you goes out to Susan Barrett for Jackson with a class in Evanston on March 5th. spearheading the raffle. We sold 277 tickets for In closing, I would like to wish everyone good a total of $13,850! We held an email/phone BOW President Steve Martin auction for the second license that sold for luck in the turkey and black bear seasons! and BOW Area Rep Jim Mallon $11,500. Commissioner Rael asked us to Also, good luck in the upcoming limited quota presented Wyoming State drawing. Please attend one of the many 3D Representative Blackburn with a share 50 percent of the proceeds of that license plaque of appreciation for his with the Wyoming Local Assistance State Team shoots that our affiliate clubs put on during the work on the lifetime archery of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, summer. Remember to proudly represent BOW license. so BOW received $5,750. That gave us a total with ethical behavior in the field. Take a new of $19,600 to fund projects! hunter or sportsperson with you if you can. Everyone was thoroughly entertained by the Keep’em Sharp, BOW Convention Guest Speaker Ron Niziolek, Steve Martin, President Page 2 Bowhunters of Wyoming

From The Vice President

Here we go again, same face but a new The Game and Fish will be involved in completing various position on the executive council for me, projects this spring and summer, which offers the public the at most for the next year. I am excited to opportunity to volunteer to assist in completing these tasks and work on the executive council in this I would encourage all to check with local Game and Fish offices capacity and know there are some big to verify dates and times, if interested. shoes to fill in looking back at past vice Season setting meetings are coming to all regional Game and Harvey Dalton presidents. Fish offices and I would encourage one and all to participate. BOW Vice President This statement will be repeated through- I plan on attending and have been asked by a few archer out this newsletter but cannot be over- friends/hunters to address some issues and concerns they have looked and that is to recognize the great job by all in organizing with archery season overlaps, etc. If anyone has questions the recent BOW Convention, which was held in Casper. A few they would like answered and cannot make these meetings, new faces have come aboard as new members of the executive contact your BOW area rep and ask if he can present them for council and I would like to welcome those folks and appreciate you. their willingness to dedicate their time and energy in promoting Again, your BOW executive council will have a video and building this great organization. conference early this summer with the Game and Fish with Once again BOW is able to help support the Game and Fish issues and concerns we have as an organization. If any of you with needed equipment to assist with programs that benefit would like your thoughts and ideas expressed, contact a wildlife, habitat and the outdoorsman/women within our state. member of the executive council. The dollars contributed were created from the sale and raffle of Support your local clubs by participating in summer shoots and the commissioner tags received from Commissioners David club events, and make sure to offer your help with work needed Rael and Keith Culver. Thank you gentleman! by each club. BOW is working to become a better partner with Most everyone in the state is aware of the proposal to have the all affiliated clubs. More to come on this topic later. grizzly bear delisted from the endangered species list. Look for the new #BOWgear photo contest and new official I attended the public Game and Fish meeting at the regional BOW merchandise by checking the BOW website and also on office in Green River and I can tell one and all that the objective Facebook. Last but not least - congratulations to the very of the Game and Fish is to be able to manage this species deserving Rich Wormington for receiving the prestigious BOW under the guidelines of the Wyoming Grizzly Bear Management Bowhunter/Sportsman of the Year award. Plan. Hunting this animal is not the “fuel” that runs this plan, but Good luck to everyone in the quickly approaching trophy big will be a tool to manage the grizzly in future years. This plan is game draw. May 10th draws a lot of excitement around these nearing the acceptance stage and word should be received in parts! the near future. Public comment has been accepted by the Game and Fish and this input will be shared by the Life is great at full draw, commissioners at their upcoming meetings. Harvey Dalton, Vice President

From The Past President

BOW Members, In my last submission to this banquet and that seemed well received. We’ve also gotten newsletter I detailed how Alaska had made some good response from members who completed a survey changes to their policy on bowhunter on areas that need to improve and things they liked. I had a education. Well, things have changed again great time and I’m looking forward to having the next banquet in and now anyone born after January 1, 1986 my back yard. We will sell it out in Cody! So please don’t be needs to have bowhunter education and one of those people who only show up the night of the banquet. Jeff Capron everyone regardless of age that hunts in the When you come to Cody next year, please plan on bringing the BOW Past bow only zones needs bowhunter education whole family, even if they don’t want to participate in the BOW President to archery hunt Alaska. Hope that clears that activities during the day. There are lots of options of local up for that state. As for Wyoming, we’ve had things to do during the day. The Cody Recreation Center, the a few classes this spring and I will be having my first field day Buffalo Bill Museum, and Old Trail Town come to mind, or on May 21st in Cody for the online NBEF program. It’s been a maybe just a drive up the Northfork of the Shoshone River to long time coming and I’m excited to see it come about finally. If view the animals and scenery of this beautiful part of the state. you’re interested, please get in touch with me. Hope to see a HUGE crowd in Cody. We will make it one to Thanks to all those involved with the BOW Convention in remember. Until then, take care and be safe. Casper! We’ve tried some new things, like games, before the Jeff Capron, Past President and Education Chair Spring 2016 Page 3

From The Treasurer

Greetings All, We have some merchandise with the three We all had a great time at the BOW Convention on the different designs for sale either on the weekend of March 19th in Casper at the Ramkota. There are webpage or by contacting me. Please several articles in this newsletter to let everyone know what either give me a call or send me an email events and activities occurred, contests and winners, raffles and to make sure we have the design, color winners, and projects funded. Thanks to everyone who planned and size you need prior to ordering, as we and put it all together, and to everyone who attended, donated, have more of some items than others. Susan Barrett BOW Treasurer participated, purchased and just had fun. We had a new Please see pictures and prices on page 11 feature this year with some games played on Friday evening of this newsletter. We are also in the and on Saturday afternoon before the banquet; they were a big process of ordering some different window decals with the hit. If anyone has ideas or suggestions for things to do during design of the arrow, elk and BOW on them. They will soon be the convention each year, please let us know. We are always added to the webpage for ordering and they will be in two sizes, welcome to new ideas that will help bring more people to the 3x7 and 5x10 in a vinyl material. Get your BOW merchandise convention. and send in your pictures to be entered in to the #BOWgear merchandise photo contest (see rules on page10). This year we had our annual Commissioners Tag Raffle and we were also fortunate enough to be given a second Have a great summer, attend some shoots, get ready for Commissioners Tag to share with another organization. This archery season, and enjoy all the great outdoor opportunities tag was auctioned off and the selling price was $11,500 so our we have here in Wyoming. share of $5,750 along with the $13,850 from the raffle gave us -Susan Barrett, Treasurer $19,600 to be used for projects this year.

From the Secretary Greetings to all of you! Hopefully all is well! Another BOW Jones for continuing with your Convention is over, and it was great to see those of you who contributions to BOW. See the minutes made it to Casper. A huge thanks to Deb and Wayne Anderson in this newsletter for more meeting and all the others who did another tremendous job with the details. banquet. It was awesome! And, thanks a million to all of the Cody will be the site for the 2017 Bow sponsors who helped make it a success also. Thank you to Convention. See you there! Herb Meland and Rich Wormington for the beautiful bows they Joel Hoenk I hope everyone has a great spring and donated. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. BOW Secretary good luck to all of you turkey and bear Our executive council meeting in March was another success, hunters. and a huge welcome to the new Area 6 Representative Jake Shoot straight, and shoot often! Konrath. Harvey Dalton is our new Vice President and Dave Baer is back as Area 4 Representative. I am glad you are all Joel Hoenk, Secretary willing to help out! And thank you to Tom Zerbst and Brad

Public Relations Report

Greetings Everyone, could be by trying my hand at PR. How will First let me say THANKS for all of the hard work from our I do that? What a great question! I believe executive council and committee members to put on another I will be successful with your help. I am successful BOW Convention. I think this event is one of the asking for your input, suggestions, concerns, best places to let people know what BOW is all about and have and contacts. Please feel free to call or fun doing it! I am proud of how well all of you represent email me with information on events, Bowhunters of Wyoming. Thanks also for those members and announcements or messaging that you think attendees who have completed our convention evaluation or needs to be shared with our members and suggestion surveys. Your input is appreciated and will help us the public. I look forward to finding some great ways to get the word out about Deb Anderson make our events better than ever. The 2107 BOW Convention Public Relations in Cody will be here before we know it. Bowhunters of Wyoming. Some of you may have heard that I love a good challenge, and Deb Anderson, Public Relations Chair the way for me to learn and promote the great work of BOW Page 4 Bowhunters of Wyoming

Area One Report

What an incredible time we had in voice your opinion pro and con. Casper. It was great to meet up with Antelope quotas will be slightly reduced as the population old friends, make new ones and share continues a slow rebound. I really wish for this herd to recover hunt stories. I could feel a new energy faster so youth hunting opportunities could increase. They are in our organization and am beyond the perfect specie for young hunters with plenty of opportunities. excited about the future. Ron did a There are very few hunts I enjoy more than sitting in a great job on his presentation, the Warren Hatcher waterhole blind with a young hunter after their first antelope. pictures he included of his time afield Area One That is good stuff! really helped tell the stories. I need to Representative Sheep are still at the top of most hunters’ lists. Ram quality in get better at preserving the memories these areas are good, but as always it is a tough hunt without that way. I especially enjoyed how he interacted with his pet the numbers of say area 4 or 5. The Fish Creek Unit is open magpie! this year for a lucky resident. Now, this area and a few more In the past week I visited with both Jackson (Region 8) and were reopened for limited hunting several years ago. My Pinedale (Region 1) Game and Fish folks. The story is much understanding was four or five units were basically combined the same in both areas. Elk numbers in southern parts are and the hunts were rotated in each unit so each would have good with herd objectives mostly met in all. There is some three years of resident hunts, one year of non-resident hunting, concern over population declines in the northern hunt areas due and one year of rest. Or something similar. It appears to me to predation. Go figure. Wolf numbers are up, of course, and that each hunt in these goes to a hunter out of the MAX point beginning to impact quotas for elk hunters. In my opinion, this pool, and is never offered in RANDOM draw. I have asked will become a huge impact rapidly if the wolves are not allowed several times if this was the case and no one knows for sure. to be managed. The bull ratios are still good and this fall should Admittedly if I was not running late with this report I could continue to have good opportunities for bowhunters in most research on the draw odds and verify if it true today, but I did spots. Additional cow tags have been reduced as herd look into it a few years ago and it was true then. The problem is numbers are nearing objectives. if that is the case, but it is not publicized, then hunters are Deer are continuing to improve slightly as we were blessed with wasting a year of draw chance if they apply with less than max another decent winter. Snow pack in high elevations is 100 points for these areas. I’m sure most would rather be in for an percent at mid-April, while the low wintering areas remain area with at least some chance at a random tag. relatively open and mild. The buck doe ratio remains strong, Moose are continuing to struggle, though areas 24 and 25 are buck quality (by my observation on winter range) is better than struggling less if that makes sense. The bull quality was pretty recent years. I have made a lot of noise with the local Game good last year on the ones I know of harvested. Local hunters and Fish personnel lately to get the archery deer season open were tagged out pretty early in the rifle season, of course a earlier in hunt units with mid-September rifle openers. Our smoker or two showed up late October as they do every year. It 14-day archery only season is one of the shortest in the nation. is hard to hold onto a tag until the last two weeks of season, but After much discussion back and forth, Game and Fish will not what an opportunity if one is bold enough to risk it. endorse this change as they feel it would put undo pressure on That will do for now. As always feel free to contact me with any the deer to have this be the only general archery deer season questions or concerns. It’s time to get busy with 3D shoots and open in the state for the last two weeks of August. I see their fall preparations. The hunt is coming! point. The only viable solution is to have archery deer open August 15 or 20th statewide. The BOW executive council will Hunt every day as if it were your last! have to get together and see if this is something we wish to Warren Hatcher, Area One (and Eight) Representative pursue. I urge each of you to contact your BOW Area Rep and

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Spring 2016 Page 5

Area Two Report

Hello bowhunters, This warmest, driest, windiest winter in the large and doe harvest needs to be better Bighorn Basin is finally giving way to a warm, dry, windy spring. directed to problem areas. Doe permits are What effects will it have? Well the ridges and mid-elevations now reduced and hopefully we can have a have been clear all winter, so that means good forage for all return of good deer numbers in the Cody- wildlife. If spring storms come to us in northern Wyoming all will Powell area. Our second general turkey be well, if not it’s drought year again with all that entails. The season in the Bighorn Basin should bring big snow storm that just buried Cheyenne to Evanston dropped more bowhunting opportunity. If you one inch in Cody, so we’re still waiting. haven’t tried bowhunting turkeys, it’s a good Dan White I attended Game and Fish meetings in both Cody and time. Area Two Meeteetse this spring and although there are no big changes, it As always, BOW is looking for more Representative is always interesting for me to see the data and logic that our hunting in tough draw quality areas. It looks wardens and biologists put into season and quota setting. like we may be able to get some elk type 9 licenses in the Although I don’t always agree with everything they decide, they excellent Meeteetse areas (not this year). The wheels turn really do a very good job trying to balance habitat, wildlife, and slowly on change, so if you like the ideas, explain to your a very diverse constituency. wardens and biologists why they make sense. Type 9’s usually Mountain goat seasons are now split so all hunters will have have about one third of the success of rifle licenses, spread the lots of country to themselves. Odds of drawing are still very hunting pressure over a longer time, generate more hunter days low, but we all hope the computer sends a tag our way. In the (thus dollars), and may even increase draw odds for rifle prime deer areas of the Shoshone River farm country, hunters (explain that to gun guys). All this without increasing populations have been greatly reduced in the last few years. the harvest of elk in an area. The reduction is caused by very liberal seasons and lots of Get out and have fun this spring, extra doe tags. There were some real concerns from farmers in Dan White, Area Two Representative some areas (Big Horn County), but areas 121-122 are very

Area Three Report

Howdy all, I would like to thank Joe Gilbert for his It was good to see everyone at the 2016 BOW Convention. many years of service at the Game and Hope everyone had fun and if you missed it, you can make Fish. plans to make it to Cody next year for the 2017 Convention. Sheridan BOW members, please mark As far as what is happening around here, the Game and Fish is your calendars for June 30th as trash proposing to increase the quota for antelope areas 1, 3, 7, 10, pickup day on the mountain. Let’s plan to 18, 27, and 109. Area 20 is being cut by 300 tags. For deer, meet at Sibley Lake at 6:00 p.m. they are changing some things around to try to harvest more Good luck and I hope you all draw the whitetails. They are proposing elk area 37 going back to no tags you want this year. Wayne Anderson early rifle season on Forest Service ground. The elk license Wayne Anderson, Area Three numbers should stay the same. Area Three Representative Representative Page 6 Bowhunters of Wyoming

Area Four Report

Back in the saddle again...and glad to be the last couple of days. I have a freezer full of meat for Ursus here too. I knew that Harvey Dalton Americanus when he ends his winter slumber and poops out his wanted to shift gears, so I nominated intestinal plug. Even though there will be snow before he gets him for the Vice President’s post. He his digestive tract working, we need to have the bait in the thought he was getting even with me by barrel and ready. The bigger boars are usually the first out and nominating me for Area Four Rep. That those should be our targets to harvest. Down in southwest is what I wanted anyway, so the joke is Wyoming we are a long way from Cowboy State turkeys, but I on Harvey. All joking aside, Harvey will am close to Utah and they have some available not too far from Dave Baer do a good job in his new role. He will do home. Turkeys in the morning and bears in the evening sounds Area Four good because he has a passion for the pretty good to me. So get those arrows fletched and those Representative sport and the organization he serves. If muscles stretched for an exciting spring ahead. you have observed his activity in BOW, I hope you all do well in the draws this year wherever you hunt. you can see both of these aspects clearly. We should all have Eat some of the fish you catch, kill the coyotes in the aspen his kind of passion and drive. Go get ‘em Harv. stands this spring and help a mule deer fawn survive. Thanks As for me, I get to hob nob around with the Game and Fish to all the BOW officers who have stayed on, and thank you to guys and Forest Service types, and I kind of like to do that those who have accepted new positions in this great anyway. The computer is a lot more fun when some of your organization. Share your experiences with a new bowhunter email is from BOW folks, especially in an election year. By the and mentor him or her in fair chase, the song the arrow sings, time you read this most Game and Fish season setting and the beauty of God’s great and beautiful world that He has meetings will be over, but keep your nose to the wind for allowed us to share. opportunities to engage with our resource managers, and to put Remember to follow thru, BOW in the best light. Dave Baer, Area Four Representative At my elevation, the snow is gone and the grass is greening for

Area Five Report

Hello everyone, Antelope, deer and elk are all in good shape with good buck to Thanks to everyone at BOW who worked doe ratios and bucks across all the age groups. Praying for hard to make the 2016 Convention a great good spring weather to give us good hunting this fall. Good success. I would like to thank the BOW luck on your moose and bison draws. membership for funding the Wyoming Cheyenne Field Archers had their first annual youth scholarship Game and Fish’s mule deer initiatives and shoot April 12th and 14th. This scholarship will benefit young Jim Mallon Area Five the Access Yes program. Both help all of archers graduating from high school and going on to college. Representative Wyoming’s outdoor-loving folks. On May 10th and 12th, the CFA will host the Access Yes There weren’t many Game and Fish fundraising shoot. This has always been a worthwhile event season changing proposals in my area, except for a few more raising money for Access Yes. Also, on May 21st, CFA will antelope tags in some areas. There are no changes in deer have a trad shoot with a swap meet following the shoot. Lots of seasons or quotas. One change looked at is in an antlered fun coming up. Hope you can join us. buck only area; a doe deer cannot be taken by archers, except Good luck and shoot straight, youth. Jim Mallon, Area Five Representative

Pronghorn Custom Bows

Herb Meland Rich Wormington 307-548-6292 2491 W. 42nd St. 280 Hwy 14A East [email protected] Casper, WY 82604 307-234-1824 evenings Lovell, WY 82431 www.yellowstonebows.com Spring 2016 Page 7

Area Six Report

Hello fellow BOW members, Spring here is starting off with good Let me start off by thanking everyone for letting me be your new moisture, hoping for another good growing Area 6 Rep. I’ll do my best to keep up and give back to this season like last year. Mountain snow packs organization. This has already been a great experience, seeing are still holding near 100 percent and we all the dedication and hard work many of you have done over look forward to good run off. Deer and the years. antelope numbers are continuing to trend back up with the quotas cut back and milder Jake Konrath I went to my first BOW Convention around 2007. A good friend, Area Six winters. Tracy Villwok, invited my brother Seth and I to go down to the Representative banquet in Cheyenne. We both became members and always I hope to hear many of you were lucky made it a point to try and make it to the Convention each year. enough to draw tags this year. Good luck to everyone pursuing bear and turkey this spring. I have lived in Carbon County my whole life. I have been hunting since I was old enough to go. Since then, nothing has Shoot true! stopped me from enjoying every hunting season and the Jake Konrath, Area Six Representative outdoors. It wasn’t until I was 17 when I got into archery hunting. Bowhunting was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Area Seven Report I personally want to take a minute to thank Deb Anderson and This spring there are great turkey numbers her crew for the great job they did in organizing a wonderful all over the area. People look BOW Convention for all of us. The Convention was so forward to getting out and this will be their informative and I learned so much about the internal workings first opportunity to get out and enjoy the first of our organization, and how the processes work. hunt of the season. There’s a good chance I was so pleased to see that BOW is sharing the proceeds from for success this year. Most lakes in the area one of the Commissioner Tag sales with the Local Assistance are open if bow fishing is something you State Team of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. This enjoy. Glen Reed Area Seven is a great group that is there to help the families of our fallen The summer season for 3D’s will soon be in Representative firefighters here in Wyoming. I have personal experience with full swing to help you hone your skills for the the great assistance they offered when my brother-in-law, Bill upcoming fall hunting. 3D’s are also a great Kohlbrand, passed away this last year. My personal thanks go opportunity to make new acquaintances and enjoy the summer out for their good work. with your family and friends. The third leg of the triple crown will be hosted by Lost Arrow Archers in Casper on May 7th and 8th, and the Cambria Bowhunters in Newcastle will have a shoot June 4th and 5th. The dry conditions in our whole district make it extremely fire prone, so be careful out there. Good luck to everyone applying for hunting licenses this year. I wish you all success in getting tags for your favorite areas. Glen Reed, Area Seven Representative (By the way, if you haven’t seen it yet, Brad Jones and Joel Hoenk had a great picture taken together at the BOW Convention this year!)

BOW’s area reps are divided as shown on this map. Bagging his moose with a bow thanks to Super Tag Trifecta Article Contributed by The Wyoming Game and Fish Department

any hunters dream about pursuing bighorn sheep, Ben long to pick the one he wanted. While slightly smaller, one mountain goat, and Shiras moose. It can take what bull had some extra points on his right antler that dropped feels like a lifetime of building preference points for down instead of curving up, giving him a completely unique Mjust one opportunity to hunt these species. Ben Jackson, from look. Cheyenne, Wyoming, was able to hunt all three in a single season by winning the 2015 Wyoming Super Tag Trifecta Despite hunting hard, no moose were found on opening day. raffle. The cloudy, rainy weather may have kept the bulls spotted earlier hunkered down in the forest. Ben started his Trifecta adventure with an archery moose hunt in Unit 38 in southeast Wyoming. Unit 38 is one of Wyoming’s premier moose hunting units, as well as one of the best areas to harvest a trophy Shiras moose in North America. As soon as Ben knew a moose hunt was going to be a reality for his 2015 hunting season, he spent countless hours honing his archery skills. Ben shoots a Mathews Heli-m bow and Easton Axis ST arrows.

Ben made a number of scouting trips, and although he saw a lot of moose, he did not have a particular bull picked out prior to setting up hunting camp in the Snow Range Mountains on August 30th. There would be one more full day of scouting before the archery season began on September 1st. On the evening of the 31st, Ben finally found what he was looking for. Two bulls traveling together. Both were mature animals and would be considered trophies by most hunters. It did not take Day two started with high hopes. After a short drive to their hunting area, both bulls were immediately located from the road. Ben carefully stalked to within seven yards of the drop-tine bull, but ground vegetation prevented a shot. Unexpectedly, both bulls suddenly spooked, re-appeared briefly behind him, before moving off for good.

Being so close and having everything fall apart left Ben heartbroken. While taking a moment to collect his thoughts, an even larger bull was spotted working its way up the valley. Ben decided to follow this bull, while not giving up on the drop-tine bull, and actually passed on a shot at this second bull at 19 yards. Wyoming Super Tag and Super Tag Trifecta His strategy paid off, the larger bull led The Ultimate Western Hunting Adventure: him right to the drop-tine bull, which  Super Tag - Nine drawings, one drawing was located about 100 yards away just for each of the following species: bighorn inside a stand of pines. By carefully sheep, mountain goat, Shiras moose, stalking from tree to tree, Ben was able elk, wild bison, deer, antelope, mountain to get to within nine yards. Again, lion, and black bear. vegetation prevented a shot. He stood  Super Tag Trifecta - One drawing, motionless, in a standoff with the bull, winner gets choice of any three licenses until he decided he had to make a from those offered. move. Drawing his bow, he carefully Winners: stepped out from behind the tree he  Are able to hunt any open area for the was hiding and slowly crept sideways species, except for moose (areas with 10 until a clear shot materialized. As soon or fewer licenses are restricted) and as the proper site picture emerged, he bighorn sheep (areas with eight or fewer let the arrow fly. The arrow appeared to licenses are restricted). hit true, but the penetration was poor.  Retain all preference points they have After an all day tracking job, the bull accumulated for Wyoming. was located again and a second arrow  Are exempt from mandatory waiting put the bull down for good. periods. Winners are eligible to apply for the license draws the next year (for It was late evening by now, but, Ben’s example, the five-year waiting period for Super Tag adventure was off to a good moose and bighorn sheep and the one-in start. There were a total of eight family -a-lifetime restriction for bull wild bison members and friends in camp, which and mountain goat licenses are waived). made the pack out relatively easy.  Are exempt from restrictions limiting the number of big game, trophy game or wild To read about the rest of Ben’s Ben later completed his Trifecta with an bison licenses that an individual may Super Tag Trifecta adventure, exceptional bighorn ram and mountain possess in one calendar year (i.e. If learn more about Wyoming’s goat. When reflecting upon the lucky enough to draw a license through experience, Ben said, “My Super Tag the normal license through the normal Super Tag raffle, purchase tickets, experience was incredible. It was one license application process, a hunter or see pictures and watch videos of the biggest adventures of my life. could have two bighorn sheep or moose from other Super Tag hunts, visit I saw areas of Wyoming that I had licenses in a single season). https://wgfd.wyo.gov/hunting/ never seen before and probably never  Tickets are $30 each and are available to super-tag. will see again. It is an experience that both residents and nonresidents. There few will have, but those who do will is no restriction on the number of tickets always cherish. I am not sure I will ever purchased. Deadline to purchase tickets have a hunting season that compares.” is July 1, 2016. Winners must purchase any applicable licenses and/or stamps before hunting. The 2016 #BOWgear photo contest is open to BOW members and non-members alike! We are looking for images of people wearing BOW hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc., or proudly displaying their BOW window decals.

Deadline is July 31, 2016! Up to 10 photographs may be submitted per person. Entries may be entered via digital files by uploading to Facebook using #BOWgear, emailed to [email protected], texted to 307-399-3628, or private messaged to the BOW Facebook account. Each photo submission will constitute one entry into a random drawing for $200, to be held on August 1, 2016.

Entries must be non-infringing on the rights of others; respectful of the rights, sensitivities, and culture of persons depicted; and an accurate reflection of the subject matter and scene as it appeared, without alteration (other than standard optimization, including cropping, adjustments to color and contrast, etc.). BOW cannot be responsible for lost, damaged, late or misdirected entries, or for faulty uploading connections, garbled transmissions, unauthorized intervention, or technical malfunctions. A purchase will not improve participant changes of winning. Void where prohibited by law. By entering the contest, participants agree to the following conditions. Entry of photographs into the contest implies acceptance of these conditions, regardless of whether entrants sign a statement confirming acceptance. By entering, participants retain copyright and remain the owner of their images and may also continue to use them in any manner they choose. Participants agree that the images they submit may be used in printed publications, on BOW’s websites, in a slideshow and screensaver, may be uploaded on BOW’s social media channels, or in any other media, and may be copied and dis- played. Participants also agree that BOW will not pay them for their images, whether they win a prize or not. Need BOW Gear? Visit bowhuntersofwyoming.org or call 307-655-9405

BOW Window Decal, 7x3 for $1.75 or 12x5 for $5.75 -Available with white background and black print.

BOW Hoodies $32.50 -Available in black with white print or sand with brown print.

Image on front left:

Bow Short Sleeve T-Shirts $16.75 -Available in black with white print, white with black print, or sand with brown print.

Image on front left:

BOW Long Sleeve T-Shirts $20.25 -Available in gray with black print.

Image on front left:

BOW Sweatshirts $26.50 -Available in sand with brown print.

Image on front left:

BOW Hats $14.75 -Available in black with white print or white with black print.

All prices include shipping and handling. Page 12 Bowhunters of Wyoming

This season dry, windy winter has been a tough time for lion hunting with few quotas being met. Because few lions are actually killed (also many hunters practice catch and release), snaring-trapping was proposed to the legislature this year as a way to increase deer populations. Wyoming Houndsmen Association, and most other hunters and non-hunters, were strongly opposed for many reasons. Although lions certainly kill deer, the dynamics of mule deer populations are too complex to just factor hunted lion populations as the cause. Far fewer people hunt lions compared to deer for several reasons. Those that do soon realize there is no challenge greater in Wyoming’s mountains and real hunts are far different than the quick, easy TV hunts. A third reason is that whether we like it or not, trapping mountain lions would bring a political curse on Wyoming. The urban antis do there best to portray Wyoming hunters as bar- barians who can’t be trusted to manage wolves and grizzlies. They would have a perfect case to convince the non-informed voter that their lies are true. I was in Africa about 20 miles away when the news broke about Cecil, the lion killed in Zimbabwe. I took out my recurve at dawn just to pull it a few times for exercise in a national park. Some guy from Holland came over and just about attacked me because I’d killed ALL the game in America and now was starting on Africa! Urban people are hyper sensitive about predators and the media love vilifying hunters. Just in case you are wondering, southern Africa has lots of lions where wild land still Exists. We saw 46 on that trip.

One change in regulations that calm both the hunters eager to reduce lion numbers and the anti trapping crowd would be to extend our seasons past the March 31 end and into April or May, as is done in the Bighorns and several other states. The harvest quotas still protect cats from over harvest and would put a few more lions on hunters’ bucket lists. If this makes sense to you, let’s promote it. The days of trapping big game ended long ago.

I got a call the other day from an area 2 bowhunter who wondered why people who had a site to bait black bears one year had first chance at the same spot the next year and every year! I couldn’t answer so I asked the Game and Fish officers and they didn't’ know, just Wyoming always did it that way. The effect is that some people have had the same (best) spots on public land for many years while new bear hunters get stuck out on the edges or poor bear areas. Believe it or not, about 4 years ago Dean Olenik and I looked carefully at maps in the Game and Fish office for a spot to try our luck at a Bighorn Mountain bear hunt. The only good looking spot not taken in the priority registration after carefully analyzing the area above Ten Sleep was Brokenback Mountain. More importantly this practice doesn’t follow the basic value of the North American system of wildlife management. All hunters are entitled to an equal chance at any hunting opportunity. Wyoming’s unfair preference policy needs to be changed and it’s up to us to do it.

We all need to be part of these policy matters,

Dan White

Send your letters to the editor, responses to letters, hunting stories, and success photos to the BOW Newsletter Editor by emailing [email protected]

Submissions may be edited to remove slanderous or libelous statements. Spring 2016 Page 13 2016 BOW Convention Photos

G&F Director Talbott addressed BOW members. Attendees enjoyed various games before the banquet. The convention always provides great opportunities to chat with old and new friends.

Jake Konrath (right) won a Yellowstone bow! Congrats Baylee Stafford on your Kaitlyn Mueller & Ron Niziolek, Mike Barrett, not so good at Maker Rich Wormington presented. new pack! Cornhole Queen and King cornhole...

Luke (left) and Sam Hatcher presented Harvey Dalton (right) presented Rich Guest Speaker Ron Niziolek and his wife Carol. Craig Germond (left) received his Mike Schmid with the card game prize. Wormington as Bowhunter of the Year. Wyoming 8 Award.

Zach Key received the Washakie Award. His Steve Martin gave out prizes in the kids raffle. BOW recognized all Veterans in attendance. father-in-law, Mike Schmid (right), accepted the award Everyone was a winner! Dave Baer won a knife in the Veterans raffle. on Zach’s behalf. Presented by Warren Hatcher.

485 North 4th Street Lander, Wyoming 82520

4120 East 2nd Street 3745 E Lincoln Way 800-307-1109 Casper, WY 82609 Cheyenne, WY 82001 307-233-3700 307-635-4500 www.mavenbuilt.com Page 14 Bowhunters of Wyoming

2016 Convention Report General Membership Meeting - March 19, 2016 -The 2016 meeting was called to order by President Steve Martin. -Steve welcomed all, and introduced Mike Ehlebracht and Matt Withroder from the Wyoming Game and Fish. -Minutes from the March 21, 2015 General Membership Meeting as printed in the Spring 2015 Newsletter were approved as written, a motion was made to accept them by Wayne Anderson and seconded by Dave Baer. All members voted in favor of accepting the minutes. -The treasurer’s report was prepared and presented by Susan Barrett: 2015 Income: 2015 Expenses: $ 5,935.00 Memberships $ 1,029.88 Raffle/Auction 5,916.50 Convention 3,026.83 Sales 3,427.00 Raffle 5,419.18 Newsletter 13,472.00 Auction 461.44 Postage 15,000.00 Commissioner’s Tag 1,304.39 Supplies 2,259.50 Sales 10,474.77 Convention 283.26 E-Commerce 717.07 Internet 2,700.00 Donations 350.00 Clubs 782.00 Other 17,185.00 Donations $ 49,775.26 Total Income 662.09 E-Commerce 1,868.19 Other

$ 42,498.84 Total Expenses

Balances as of March 2016: $ 550.00 Cash 31,824.30 Checking 24,934.54 Savings 1,627.57 PayPal 37,299.25 CD’s $ 96,235.66 Total Funds -The treasurer’s report was accepted as presented, and a motion was made by Ron Niziolek and seconded by Deb Anderson. All members voted in favor of accepting the treasurer’s report. -Correspondence: President Martin received an update from the WY Disabled Hunters on the habitat enhancement project we supported on . Wyoming Sportsmen’s Alliance is working diligently to fight the transfer of public lands initiatives that have been occurring at the state and now the federal level. Each of the county boards will be looking into the issues, and the WYSA Coordinator is working and tracking this as it progresses. -Committee Reports: -Convention: Deb Anderson shared the agenda for the convention and all of the activities that were scheduled. She thanked everyone for their donations, and was confident we would come in under budget. She is also looking for feedback on Constant Contact. -Bowhunter of the Year: Brad Jones shared that there would be a recipient for the Bowhunter of the Year award.

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Mike Schmid ~ 307-389-7336 Spring 2016 Page 15

Committee Reports Continued: -Records: Tom Zerbst had the archery awards ready to present, which included a Washakie Award given to Zach Key for his non-typical mule deer. -Legislative: Randy Burtis shared information on a busy legislative budget session. The public lands transfer is a big issue that everyone needs to be concerned with. HB 0012 mountain lion trapping failed introduction. HB 0017 antler collection on private property died. HB 0018 WY G&F law enforcement involvement with federally protected species failed. HB 0024 G&F special management permits was never introduced. HB 0102 big game harassment and disturbance failed introduction. HB 0159 combination license died in committee. -Fundraising: One Commisioner’s Tag will be raffled off at the convention and a second one will be auctioned off by phone bid and the proceeds split 50/50 with the Wyoming Local Assistance State Team for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. -Education: Jeff Capron shared that we have had six completions of the online bowhunter education course. A class will be held on Sunday morning following the convention. -Social Media: There was discussion about protecting our interests through our by-laws, which the Montana Bowhunters Association has done. Rod Schmidt and Randy Burtis will look into this. -Affiliate Club Renewals: A motion was made by Kendel Cheatham and seconded by Randy Burtis to renew all of our affiliate club memberships, those being US Sportsman’s Alliance, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Physically Challenged Bowhunters, and the Wyoming State Archery Association. All members voted in favor of renewing our affiliate club memberships. -Liability Insurance: -We will continue with our current liability insurance for $631.00 for another year, and a motion was made by Randy Burtis and seconded by Glen Reed. All members voted in favor of continuing our existing liability insurance. -Officer Position Nominations: -Letters of intent were received from Steve Martin (President), Joel Hoenk (Secretary), Susan Barrett (Treasurer), Jeff Capron (Past President), Warren Hatcher (Area 1), Wayne Anderson (Area 3), Jim Mallon (Area 5), and Glen Reed (Area 7). -Nominations were opened and Dave Baer nominated Harvey Dalton for Vice President, seconded by Steve Martin. Susan Barrett made a motion to cease nominations, seconded by Rod Schmidt. All members voted in favor of Harvey Dalton serving as Vice President. -Dan White offered to continue as Area 2 Representative, a motion was made by Jeff Capron and seconded by Ron Niziolek to accept. All members voted in favor of Dan White continuing as Area 2 Representative. -Harvey Dalton made a motion to nominate Dave Baer as Area 4 Representative, seconded by Susan Barrett. Wayne Anderson made a motion to cease nominations, seconded by Rod Schmidt. All members voted in favor of Dave Baer serving as Area 4 Representative. -Seth Konrath made a motion to nominate Jake Konrath as Area 6 Representative, seconded by Susan Barrett. Rick Parrish made a motion to cease nominations, seconded by Rod Schmidt. All members voted in favor of Jake Konrath serving as Area 6 Representative. -Brad Jones agreed to continue as Chairperson for Bowhunter of the Year. -Tom Zerbst agreed to continue as Records Chairperson. -Randy Burtis was undecided about continuing as Legislative Chairperson. -Deb Anderson offered to be the Public Relations Chairperson. -Jeff Capron will continue as Education Chairperson. -Michell Anderson will continue as Newsletter Editor and Webpage Coordinator. -2017 Convention: -Ron Niziolek shared that Cody would be willing to host the 2017 Convention.

Conservation Projects Funded in 2016 PROJECT PURPOSE LOCATION AMOUNT PLPW Access Yes Access Casper $ 2,500.00 Sheep Mountain Mule Deer Migration Wildlife Laramie 1,500.00 Bear Spray Initiative Education Cody 1,000.00 HQ Surveillance Cameras Enforcement Sheridan 1,500.00 Trail Cameras Enforcement Sheridan 1,000.00 Covert Cameras Enforcement Rawlins 1,430.00 Fence Removal Wildlife Lander 1,000.00 Fawn Survival Project Wildlife Laramie 4,835.00 DEER Project Wildlife Laramie 4,835.00 Total funding for 2016 $19,600.00 Page 16 Bowhunters of Wyoming

2016 Convention Report Continued Convention Sponsors Several area businesses sponsored the 2016 BOW Convention: Casper Area: Sportsmen’s Warehouse Sheridan Area: Vacutech, LLC; Sheridan Floor to Ceiling; Quik Sak; and Eliason Financial The cash contributions received from the above businesses were used during the convention for the Friday evening appetizers and the purchase of items for the auction from local businesses at discounted prices. Banquet A total of 121 adults and 7 children attended the banquet this year. Poker Run: The following downtown Casper area businesses participated in the Poker Run on Saturday and we would like to thank them for their help in making it a huge success. Sierra West Made in Wyoming Merry Peddlers Fashion Crossroads Lou Talbot Ranch Outfitters Donnell’s Candies Blackberry Mountain Gifts Sportsmen’s Warehouse Rocky Mountain Discount Sports At the banquet, those who participated formed their best poker hand and the winner, Jake Konrath from Saratoga, was presented with a survival bottle and medical first aid kit. Poop Guess Contest: Each year all banquet attendees are given a chance at the Poop Guessing Game. This year, there was a love- ly container of decorated antique bottles displaying a great number of pellets. The winner with the closest guess was Dave Baer of Mountain View and he won $50 from BOW. Big Game Trophy Display Contest: Each year, members are asked to bring their trophies for display at the convention events. This year there were around 15 heads, racks, skulls and hides on display. From all the trophies displayed, a name is drawn and the winner gets a $100 Cabela’s gift card from BOW. This year’s winner was Rick Parish of Cheyenne with his Wyoming bull elk. Life Member Plaques: Between March 2015 and March 15, 2016, one BOW member purchased a life membership. On purchasing a life membership, the member is presented with a life member plaque. The plaque was presented at the banquet to Jeffery Sanderson.

2015 Bowhunter/Sportsman of the Year: This award is one of the highest honors a BOW member can receive. The recipient for 2015 was Rich Wormington of Powell. Rich has been a member of BOW for 26 years and a continuous supporter of BOW with his bow donations for the last 21 years. Veteran Recognition: All Veterans and active military personnel in attendance were asked to go forward, and each was given a raffle ticket for a drawing for a broadhead knife made and donated by J A Sanderson. There were 13 Veterans or active military personnel in attendance and each was thanked for their service to our country. The raffle winner was Dave Baer of Mountain View. Entertainment: Friday evening entertainment consisted of three games (cornhole, darts, and ring toss) and a mini auction. Saturday evening, during the social hour, there were three more games (cornhole, high/low cards, and a guessing game) for participants to enjoy. The banquet speaker was Ron Niziolek with his presentation “Bowhunting Elk” on his elk hunting experiences, tactics, and the sharing of hunting experiences with family and friends. Special Thank You Gifts: Thank you gifts of $40 gift certificates from Sportsman’s Warehouse were presented to the 2015 officers: Steve Martin, President; Randy Burtis, Vice President; Joel Hoenk, Secretary; Susan Barrett, Treasurer; and Michell Anderson, Newsletter Editor. A thank you gift of an engraved knife with leather sheath was presented to Ron Niziolek for being our guest speaker.

Al’s Knives Handmade High Performance Hunting Knives

Alvin E. Meredith 728 Western Hills Blvd. www.evanstonsportsworld.com Cheyenne, WY 82009 [email protected]

[email protected] ~ 307-631-8872 307-789-6788 phone 307-789-1976 fax 524 Front Street, Evanston, WY 82930 Spring 2016 Page 17

BOW Raffle Winners: Our general raffle consisted of two bows and a cooler. Tickets were sold for $1 each. We wish to thank the donors and everyone who purchased tickets. There were a total of 1,919 tickets sold. The raffle items, donors, and winners are listed below. Please remember to support the people who continually donate to BOW and make these raffles possible. We really appreciate yoru continued support of our organization. Yellowstone Renegade Flatbow - made and donated by Rich Wormington of Lovell - won by Jake Konrath of Saratoga Pronghorn Longbow - made and donated by Herb Meland of Casper - won by Shelby Martin of Rock Springs Yeti Cooler with BOW logo - purchased and donated by BOW executive council members - won by Warren Hatcher of LaBarge Commissioner’s Tag Raffle: A 2016 Commissioner’s Tag was given to BOW by Commissioner Keith Culver from Newcastle. We wish to express our sincere thanks to Commissioner Culver for his support of BOW this year. This tag was raffled with 350 tickets made available at a cost of $50 per chance. There were 277 tickets sold, bringing in $13,850. The winning ticket belonged to Bradley Lemieux of Albany, MN. Congratulations Bradley! Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets to make this a great fundraiser for Wyoming’s wildlife and hunters. BOW returns 100 percent of the funds raised from this commissioner’s tag for projects to benefit wildlife and hunting in Wyoming. Please find the list of projects funded on page 15 of this newsletter. Seminars: Seminars were presented on Friday evening and on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to all the presenters for taking the time to inform and entertain us - we really appreciate it. The seminars were as follows: Friday evening: CWD & Other Wildlife Diseases by Heather O’Brian, Game and Fish Casper Wildlife Biologist Saturday afternoon: Wyoming Migration Initiative by Bill Rudd Wyoming Game & Fish Information Session with Q&A by Scott Talbott, Game and Fish Director Card Raffle: A card raffle was held for an Ameristep 22 foot Skyscraper Tree/Ladder Stand, donated by Solitude Ranch and Outfitters of Devils Tower, Wyoming. We held a card raffle of a deck of cards at $5 per card for the stand and sold all 52 cards. The winning card drawn was purchased by Mike Schmidt from LaBarge. Congrats Mike and thank you! Kids Raffle: All kids under the age of 12 in attendance at the banquet were called forward and given a raffle ticket to be able to pick a prize. Ticket numbers were drawn and each kid picked a prize. Kids in attendance were: Ava Stafford, Westen Niziolek, Makayla Niziolek, Riley Jones, Addisyn Dalton, Avery Dalton, and Grant Boley. Vendor Booths: Vendor booths were set up by Yellowstone Custom Bows, Blake Smith with Custom Youth Bows, and the Casper Disabled Veterans. We really appreciate these vendors taking the time to set up a booth for our attendees to enjoy. Awards: Elk: Pronghorn: Black Bear: Non-Typical Mule Deer: 1st Dan White 352 2/8 1st Rick Parish 76 4/8 1st Ron Niziolek 16 0/8 1st Jeff Capron 122 6/8 2nd Craig Germond 348 3/8 2nd Ron Niziolek 75 0/8 2nd Jason Stafford 14 7/8 3rd Seith Konrath 337 5/8 3rd Ron Niziolek 68 6/8

Whitetail Deer: Big Horn Sheep: Cougar: Typical Mule Deer: 1st Susan Barrett 144 3/8 1st Ron Niziolek 156 4/8 Jake Konrath 14 0/16 1st Rick Parish 142 4/8

2nd Sam Niziolek 140 0/8

Wyo 8 Award: Wyo 9 Award: 3rd Jason Stafford 124 7/8 Craig Germond Ron Niziolek

Washakie Award: Zach Key, Non-Typical Mule Deer 236 1/8 We’re making plans for the 2017 BOW Convention in beautiful Cody, Wyoming! Page 18 Bowhunters of Wyoming

2016 Convention Report Continued

Live Auction: The auction was a huge success this year. Everyone had fun and we were entertained by our auctioneer, John Gibbens of Rock Springs. We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to John and Margaret Gibbens for their services as auctioneer and helper for the last many years; we could not do it without them. We would also like to thank everyone who helped during the auction. And finally, a big thank you to everyone who donated items for the auction and those who bid and purchased items. Listed below are the auction items, the donors, the buyers and the purchase price. Please remember to thank all the donors for their support to BOW. Item Donor Buyer Price Two Camp Chairs Vacutech Weston Mueller $175 End Table Wayne Anderson Eric Boley 250 Glen Del Target Vacutech Patrick Hurley 325 Bow Case Sports World George Rogers 150 Indian Cards J Dunbar Larry Burtis 60 Handmade Knife Rich Wormington Rod Schmidt 200 Sitka Vest Ron Niziolek Casey Dalton 200 Montana Decoy Sports Lure Kendel Cheatham 120 Blanket and BOW Glasses Deb Anderson Keith Dana 40 Three Knitted Hats M & S Barrett Kaitlyn Mueller 75 Three Knitted Hats and Melobow M & S Barrett Patrick Hurley 130 Afghan M & S Barrett Ron Niziolek 200 Blue Pine Key Holder M & S Barrett Rod Schmidt 85 Earrings Randy Burtis Keith Dana 85 Bear Archery Arrows Dean Davis Randy Giesey 150 1879 Silver Dollar D & J Coins Eric Boley 50 Hunter Safety System Joel Hoenk Randy Giesey 50 Knife Randy Burtis Kendel Cheatham 200 Hoodie and T-Shirt Yellowstone Bear Hunters Harvey Dalton 60 Pybook and Great Outdoor G Reed & Vacutech Warren Hatcher 80 Bear Trap Kendel Cheatham Ramie Roadier 950 Custom Knife Alvin Meredith Wayne Anderson 210 Custom Knife Alvin Meredith Sam Niziolek 175 Camp Chef Stove Schmidt Family Eric Boly 160 Yellow Jacket Bag Target Rocky Mountain Discount Sports Kendel Cheatham 100 Beer Pitcher and Glasses Warren and Laura Hatcher Daniel Beach 125 Wooden Bowls Levi Jones Casey Dalton 90 Gambrill and $50 Gift Card Daltons and Sportsman’s Warehouse Dwight Pochant 85 Binoculars Maven J A Sanderson 500 Dozen Wood Arrows J A Sanderson Mike Barrett 300 Fly Rod Fly Shop of the Big Horns Keith Dana 250 Dozen Arrows Dave Baer Steve Martin 90 Grizzly Print Steve Martin Jeff Capron 60 Table with Glass Top Daltons and United Glass John Gibbens 525 First Table to Dinner BOW Mike Elerbracht 60 LIVE AUCTION TOTAL $6,365

A special thank you to the following individuals for their extraordinary contributions to the 2016 BOW Convention: Harvey and Terry Dalton Kendel Cheatham Wayne and Deb Anderson Mike and Susan Barrett

We congratulate the BOW Spring 2016 membership drive winners! New Members: Benjamin Gorman and Chuck Brewer Current Members: Ramie Roadifer and Deb Anderson

We thank Sportsman’s Warehouse of Casper for their generous prize donations for these drawing winners. Spring 2016 Page 19

Silent Auction: Item Donor Buyer Price Moving Water Note Cards J Dunbar Warren Hatcher $ 15 Black Classic Target Sheridan Co Sportsmen Rick Parish 45 Wine Glasses and Stopper D Anderson Warren Hatcher 20 Two Knitted Hats M & S Barrett Larry Burtis 24 Hunter in a Bottle Lifeline Vacutech Karl Cheatham 8 $50 Gift Card Sportsman’s Warehouse Weston Mueller 49 Jerky Drink Basket Shadow Mountain Water Harvey Dalton 32 Camo Gloves Rocky Mountain Power Sports Harvey Dalton 35 Indian Cards J Dunbar Craig Reed 20 Elk Print M Robinson Karl Cheatham 14 Antelope Sheath Broadhead Knife J A Sanderson Kendel Cheatham 27 MBA Membership Package MBA Wayne Anderson 40 Bunnies Sierra West Harvey Dalton 25 Rain Pants Rick Parish Eric Boley 57 Framed Moose Picture Doug Jones Renee Dana 35 BOW Glasses Anderson and Fashion Crossroads Renee Dana 8 MBA Membership Package MBA Joel Hoenk 40 BOW Glasses and RibChop Gift Basket Anderson and Rib & Chop Jake Konrath 46 Blanket and BOW Glasses Anderson Doug Jones 22 Two Glasses and $25 Gift Certificate Hatcher and Flagstaff Kaitlyn Mueller 12 YCBHA Membership Package YCBHA Patrick Hurley 20 Bison Print Joel Meena Patrick Hurley 70 Quiver and YCBHA Package Hoenk and YCBHA Doug Haupt 15 Saw Knife and SOL Package Hatcher and Hi Desert Polar Doug Haupt 27 Med Kit High Desert Polar Doug White 20 Knife Warren and Laura Hatcher Eric Boley 50 Target Sports World Sam Niziolek 65 Bow Case Bi-Rite Sporting Goods Seth Konrath 35 Target Sher Co Sportsmen Club Sam Niziolek 65 Pink Target Sher Co Sportsmen Club Justin Starck 70 Two Knitted Hats and River Cards M & S Barrett and J Dunbar Patrick Hurley 40 Gambrill Dalton Eric Boley 50 Micro Start Cheyenne Field Archers Jim Mallon 90 Helmet Rocky Mountain Power Sports Larry Burtis 52 MBA Member Package MBA Wayne Anderson 44 Water Fountain Blackberry Mountain Steve Martin 38 Flask Vacutech Jeff Capron 15 Broadhead Knife Sanderson Jeffrey Sanderson 40 T-Shirt Made in Wyoming Patrick Hurley 25 SILENT AUCTION TOTAL $1,405 AUCTION GRAND TOTAL $7,770

I thought I would send in a picture of part of our back porch where I have hung 18 dozen arrows that I have bought at the BOW banquets over the years. Believe me, we get a lot of comments on these arrows from guests to our home. The donors of these arrows were: REI of Casper; Marion Debusk of Cody; Debusk/Benson of Cody; Kirk Van Slyke of Alpine; Rodney Albers (3 doz) of Fort Collins, CO; Danny Havens of Spearfish, SD; Dewayne Dillon (2 doz) of Sheridan; Bill Allen of Dayton; Tracy Villwok of Hanna; Scott Barton of Sheridan; Bart Schleyer (deceased) of Wasilla, AK; Vern Butler of Evanston; Juan Ponce of Bighorn; Dave Baer of Mountain View; and this year J A Sanderson of Lyman. Not only would I like to thank these people for their wares but ANYONE who has donated items to BOW for the auctions over the years. Their generosity has allowed us to build a sizeable war chest that I hope we will never need. Mike Barrett BOW Members Trophy Section

Members, send your success photos to [email protected].

Michell Anderson with her fall 2015 Wyoming antelope.

Eric Anderson with his fall 2015 Wyoming elk.

Eric Boley - Chinati Mountains in West Texas Javelina at 15 yards spot and stalk. Bowtech bow, Muzzy broadheads, Goldtip arrows

Fall 2015 - Jarad Agustine with his wife, Codee, Jarad Agustine, fall 2015 Dan Conrad with his November 2015 and son, Jacobee. turkey. It was –5o when they got into Now that’s a great family photo! the blind. Bowhunters of Wyoming Page 21

Rows Above and Below: Some great photos of Dwayne Johnson. South Texas management deer, javelina and boar hunt. “Great weather and lots of shooting!” -Dwayne

Eric Boley with his December 2015 Texas whitetail. Congrats to Seth Konrath on his 2015 bull, taken with a Bowtech bow, Muzzy broadhead and Goldtip arrow. Pronghorn Longbow. Page 22 Bowhunters of Wyoming 2016 Shoot Schedule

May: July: 1 Riverton 3D 2 & 3 Thermopolis 3D 6-8 Marked 3D Nationals-Redding, CA 9 & 10 State Field-Casper 7 & 8 LAA-Casper (3rd Leg TC 3D) 16-17 Grouse Mountain Archery 3D (see below) 8 PAC-Gillette Mother’s Day 3D 16-17 High Plains Archery Club-Laramie 3D 28 & 29 Thermopolis-Kostelecky 3D 30 & 31 PAC-Gillette Fun Shoot 3D

June: August: 4 & 5 Newcastle 3D 6 & 7 CFA-Cheyenne Bowhunters Weekend 11 & 12 CAC-Cody K-Z 3D 6 & 7 Sheridan County Sportsmen’s 3D 17-19 Big Sky-Grand Junction, CO 12-14 Newcastle 3D 18 & 19 State 3D-Riverton 25 & 26 LAA-Casper Fun Shoot

Contacts: Casper Neal Ruebush 307-251-6468 [email protected] Cheyenne Dan Conrad 307-631-6507 [email protected] Cody Melanie DeBusk 307-899-6919 [email protected] Gillette Andy Turnquist 307-257-7509 [email protected] Newcastle Carl Lenardson 307-746-9937 [email protected] State Shoots Lynell Preston 307-899-9280 [email protected] Wheatland Eric Bohlander 307-241-0321 [email protected]

Fort Collins Archery Association: ftcollinsarchery.com -Michel Magers, President: 970-481-3903

News from BOW Affiliated Club, Grouse Mountain Archery…The outdoor range is accessed from Highway 16 behind the water treatment plant. It has a road leading into it, with a spacious parking lot. It has 7 excelsior target butts, with more being added as soon as possible. There will be a sight-in target area, with increments from 20-100 yards. Join us for a 3D shoot at this location July 16-17, and every 3rd weekend in July in years to come. There will be a monster shoot and a milk jug shoot also. Food and beverages will be available. As always, no alcohol or broadheads. Other great news: In cooperation with Jake Kennedy and Adam Teten, we now have access to an indoor range as well. It is located in the Old Clear Creek School, next to the museum, in the back and downstairs. It was formerly the cafeteria. The building is now called Bomber Mountain Civic Center. There are 10 shooting lanes with yardages of 20 and 27 yards. Kids shoot on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-H on Wednesdays, traditional on Monday nights, adult shoots on Fridays and Saturdays, and open shooting on Sundays. For membership to the ranges and a key to the outdoor range gate, call Brett Brenden at 307-684-9212, or go to the Sports Lure on Main Street in Buffalo, WY. Spring 2016 Page 23 Sheridan County Sportsmen’s Association Big Horn Mountain 3D Archery Shoot August 6 & 7, 2016 Bear Lodge Resort in the Big Horn Mountains West of Burgess Junction on Hwy 14A ~ 60 miles west of Sheridan, WY

Drawing for: Cow elk tag Raffle for: (youth <18yrs w/hunter ed; not a previous winner) Rinehart Rhino Block Target Rinehart 18-1 Target (youth <18yrs)

Registration on site: For Additional Information Contact: Sat: 8am to 2 pm, 2 rounds of 20 targets SCSA website: sheridancountysportsmensassn.com Sun: 8am to 11am, 20 targets George Rogers 307-763-1003 or [email protected] $20 Money Shoot with 50% payback both days Bruce Burr 307-673-5711 or 307-751-6801 $10 Hunter/Fun rounds Scott Barten 307-751-7166 Sorry, no crossbows. Sponsors Include: Bear Lodge Resort - Lodging, Concessions & Refreshments Bear Lodge Resort, NX Bar Ranch, Rinehart Targets, Rocky 307-752-2444 or bearlodgeresort.com Mountain Discount Sports, EnTec Engineering Rooms and camp spots are limited. ANNUAL K-Z 3D SHOOT June 11 & 12, 2016 Saturday Sunday

Registration 8-11 a.m. Meet at Registration at 8:00 a.m. -40 Targets, money payback -Shot gun start at 8:30 a.m. -Score cards must be in by 4:00 p.m. -Score cards must be in by 2:00 p.m. -Prizes will be awarded Novelty Shoots: -High series awards -Milk Jug Shoot, starts at 4:00 p.m. sharp $5 per person -Balloon Shoot, starts right after Milk Jug Shoot 3 person team Enjoy shooting with family and friends. Not flighted. $5 per person or $15 per team Marked yardage on 40 target course. Money payback -Monster Shoot, starts after supper break Rangefinders are allowed. $1 per arrow Money payback Bring Wyoming weather spring gear. -Coon Shoot, starts around 10:00 p.m. (dark) $5 per person Questions? Call Mark Kipley at 307-250-5814 or Money payback Nick Hummel at 307-321-7468.

CAC Members: Individual $15/day, $25 both days; Family $25/day, $45 both days Non-Member: Individual $20/day, $35 both days; Family $30/day, $55 both days

Call Dawna for lodging (limited availability), campsites ~ Menu including breakfast, lunch, and dinner KBarZ Guest Ranch & Outfitters: 3477 Crandall Road, Cody, WY 82414 ~ 307-587-4410 Directions: From Hwy 120, turn onto Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy 296. Follow Hwy 296 over Dead Indian Summit and Sunlight Bridge. Continue 14 miles toward Crandall and turn left at sign/RD Xvw. Bowhunters of Wyoming

Spring 2016

Bowhunters of Wyoming Affiliate Clubs P.O. Box 126 Dayton, Wyoming 82836 Black Mountain Archery Firehole Archers Archery Club 20 West Drive P.O. Box 864 P.O. Box 1258 www.bowhuntersofwyoming.org Wheatland, Wyoming 82201 Rock Springs, WY 82902 Green River, Wyoming 82935 [email protected] Bridger Valley Archers Fort Collins Archery Assoc. Wind River Archers P.O. Box 1076 P.O. Box 270493 P.O. Box 2105 Mt. View, Wyoming 82939 Fort Collins, Colorado 80527 Pinedale, Wyoming 82941

Cambria Bowhunters Grouse Mountain Archery Wyoming State Archery Assoc. P.O. Box 669 P.O. Box 245 91 Marquette Drive Newcastle, Wyoming 82701 Buffalo, Wyoming 82834 Cody, Wyoming 82414

Cheyenne Field Archers High Plains Archery Club P.O. Box 20790 209 South Cedar Street Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003 Laramie, Wyoming 82070

Cody Archery Club Soldier Creek Archers P.O. Box 3095 335 Pheasant Place Cody, Wyoming 82414 Sheridan, Wyoming 82801

Wyoming Pope and Young Official Measurers

Bedford Dayton Rawlins Ronell Skinner Mike Barrett Robert Bergquist 307-883-2539 307-655-9405 307-328-1978 Casper Encampment Rock Springs Newsletter Deadlines Richard Bonander Robert Dale Keith Dana Winter, December 31 307-234-2545 307-321-4023 307-362-5822 Spring, April 15 Pat McAteer Gillette Saratoga Summer, June 30 307-265-5546 Joel Hoenk Patrick Malone Fall, October 15 Cheyenne 307-257-4952 307-326-8035 David Pawlicki Delivery Dates Kemmerer Wheatland 307-634-4565 Winter, Early Feb. Brett Ritter Jerry Bowen Rick Parrish Spring, Early May 307-828-9064 307-322-9219 Summer, Early Aug. 307-421-1774 Fall, Early November Randy Burtis LaBarge Worland 307-752-1089 Warren Hatcher Dan Hart Eric Boley 307-386-9230 307-347-8898 307-727-7545 Newcastle Cody Brad Jones Ron Niziolek 307-941-0022 307-587-6181

Bowhunter/Sportsman Of The Year 1981 Ray Rynio, Rock Springs 1999 Steve Martin, Rock Springs 1982 Mark Chapman, Rock Springs 2000 Gary Shinn, Cody 1983 Vern Butler, Evanston 2001 Jeff Capron, Cody 1984 Mike Barrett, Dayton 2002 Tom Pindell, Wheatland 1985 Vaughn Cross, Rock Springs 2003 Mark LeFaivre, Rock Springs 1986 Jim Downey, Cheyenne 2004 Herb Meland, Casper 1987 Terry Constable, Sheridan 2005 Jason Stafford, Cody 1988 Gary Cole, Newcastle 2006 Joel Meena, Cheyenne 1989 Terry Fieseler, Rock Springs 2007 No nominations 1990 Rick Parish, Cheyenne 2008 Neal Perkins, Cheyenne 1991 John Backs, Lander 2009 Warren Hatcher, LaBarge 1992 Susan Barrett, Dayton 2010 No nominations 1993 Mike Lindahl, Casper 2011 Brad Jones, Newcastle 1994 Rod Schmidt, Rawlins 2012 Randy Burtis, Cheyenne 1995 Claude Rauch, Cody 2013 Steve Martin, Rock Springs 1996 Ron Niziolek, Cody 2014 Harvey Dalton, Farson 1997 Steve Deroche, Cody 2015 Rich Wormington, Lovell 1998 David Moss, Basin

What will BOW do for me? Many times the question has been asked, “Why should I belong to Bowhunters of Wyoming?” Or, “What will BOW do for me?” These are valid questions and ones that deserve good answers to anyone who might be considering spending some time and money to participate in the sport of bowhunting here in Wyoming. First and foremost BOW’s purpose is to promote the enjoyment and betterment of the sport of bowhunting. We believe this can only be accomplished by the sincere effort of those who participate. To answer what BOW will do, let’s have a look at what BOW has done. BOW speaks for you with the State Legislature and the Game and Fish Department. We have sponsored legislation to do away with the four separate archery licenses (we now only buy one), allow bird hunting (including trophy) with a bow, provide pre-season archery hunting (at one point we had lost it), elevate the black bear to trophy game status and take the bear tag off the elk license. Additionally, BOW helped convince the governor to veto a bill that would have allowed the use of muzzle loaders during archery pre-seasons. Working with the Game and Fish Department, we have promoted longer seasons (15-30 days in most areas, where it was originally 10 days), some archery only licenses (which allows you to hunt longer), and adjust season dates so that all species do not have to be hunted in the same timeframe. During the past several years BOW has donated money to the Game and Fish Department for different projects including windmill repair, spring developments, whitetail poaching decoys, goose nesting structures, pitting of elk pastures, habitat burning projects, and more. BOW provided the initial funding and support to bring the International Bowhunter Education Program (IBEP) to Wyoming. We are currently working with the Game and Fish Department to make the IBEP program mandatory for anyone bowhunting in Wyoming. We are the only organization in the state that keeps big game records and have published the first record book (two editions) for Wyoming bowhunters. BOW members have grouped together and taken on six Adopt-A-Highway program areas across the state. Communication between bowhunters is provided through our newsletter, which is published quarterly. Anytime other important issues come up, postcards or letters are sent to all members to inform them of the issues and where to make their comments. With our Affiliate Club Membership, there is another way to keep more bowhunters informed of the issues through their local clubs and also provides another avenue for local club liability insurance. Winter banquets, summer jamborees, and meetings give members an opportunity to socialize and discuss concerns pertaining to bowhunting. Each year we have big game awards, a photo contest, a guest speaker, manufacturer booths, and much more at our winter meeting. The summer jamboree is family oriented and provides fun for all ages with outdoor animal rounds, fun shoots, contests, and refreshments. Next time you hear these questions, why not ask, “Do you really enjoy bowhunting, especially in Wyoming? Are you anxious to go hunting in those early archery seasons? Do you know who represents the bowhunter’s voice in Wyoming?” Bowhunters of Wyoming is a respected organization dedicated to the promotion and education of bowhunting and bowhunters, and to wildlife conservation. Support an organization that supports you! There is still a lot to do! When you become a member of BOW, you gain an active interest in supporting bowhunting and bowhunting laws by receiving BOW voting rights, a quarterly newsletter delivered to your residence, a window decal, and a coupon for one year of Bowhunter Magazine for a reduced rate. BOWHUNTERS OF WYOMING MEMBERSHIP FORM Enclosed is my check or money order. Please enter my membership in BOW. (Membership purchase is also available on the BOW website.) NAME______ADDRESS______CITY/STATE______ZIP______PHONE______EMAIL______Regular Membership $25 ___ Family Membership $35 ___ Affiliate Club Membership $40 ___ Life Membership $400 ___ RENEWAL ___ NEW MEMBER Name of current BOW member who referred you, if any______Send to: Bowhunters of Wyoming, PO Box 126, Dayton, WY 82836 Bowhunters of Wyoming P.O. Box 126 Dayton, Wyoming 82836

Sportsmen and women who choose to elevate the standards of bowhunting.