Preserving and Promoting Traditional Bowhunting In Idaho
— 3824 S. North Church Place, Boise, ID 83706 — www.idahotraditionalbowhunters.com
Eric Snow has stayed on and is wind and weather cooperate starting his second year as Vice more than they have the last two IN THIS ISSUE President. Aaron Seehawer has years. • Cabin Fever Shoot replaced myself as Treasurer and Jerry Wilson has stepped forward • We are going into our third year and was elected as Secretary to of sponsoring the kids shoot at • Spring Carp Shoot replace Dave Ankenbauer. Rik the Idaho State Jamboree July Hinton is staying on as our 16th – 18th in Stanley. As • Western States Newsletter Editor. always we are looking for mem- Traditional Rendezvous bers to help set up the course Myself, I have moved slightly and act as guides/scorekeepers from the Treasurer position to the for the children. This shoot is • North American Longbow President role. only on Sunday morning and Safari doesn’t consume an extreme Blake Fischer has stepped down amount of time, and the smiles • The Professional Hunter after numerous years of dedicated on the faces of the youth is service in the President and Vice reward enough. It is fun to see • Archery Pronghorn President role. He still helps rep- that much enthusiasm in the resent a portion of us as Region 3 youth for our sport, knowing Report Director for the Idaho State that it will live and prosper into Bowhunters. the next generation.
President’s Report I would like to personally thank all • Our Fall Tune-up Shoot is July —By Jeff Fealko of our past officers for their hard 28th and 29th. It will be located work and dedication to our organi- once again in Scriver Creek A new year is upon us and we are zation. I truly believe that we are north of Crouch. Hopefully we coming through the doldrums of in a better place than we were the will see you there. winter and have already entered previous year. the spring season of the year as Besides our sponsored events I people are out chasing turkeys and As we come into summer there are encourage you to attend the bears. Hopefully some of you numerous opportunities to get Western States Traditional have been out in the field pursuing involved and participate in our Rendezvous in Washington over the passion we all live for. events. the Memorial Day Weekend (May 28-31) and the Longbow Safari the With the start of a new year there • Our carp shoot is coming up on weekend of June 26th and 27th. have been a reorganization of our June 5th. It will be held again at Western States will be in executive committee. Coming out the Jack’s Creek access of CJ Packwood, Washington sponsored of our winter banquet we have a Strike Reservoir. Hopefully the by the Traditional Bowhunters of new executive committee. Washington and the Longbow Safari will be in Libby, Montana, sponsored by the Montana Traditional Bowhunters, and is fairly close considering next year it will once again be in Canada.
On the hunting front, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game made some biological rule changes that we should all be aware of.
The most significant change effects all those who bowhunt for antelope in the southwest portion of the state. Blake Fischer more fully explains these modifications within this newsletter.
In the future we will be trying to work more closely with the IDFG Summer Carp Shoot to hear about these proposed changes at an earlier level so we Coming June 25th —By Eric Snow can work with them instead of against them in coming up with a Summer is just around the corner and so is our annual Carpe Diem Shoot. viable solution to meet the needs This is one of the most fun things to do in the summer without the fear of of the animals we pursue and try getting arrested. We’ll be looking to see who can shoot the biggest fish and to maintain the hunting privileges who can shoot the most fish. we all cherish. Very minimal equipment is needed—a bow, some sort of reel, line, and a I encourage you all to renew your fish arrow. I’ve done my fair share of wading in, wearing shorts and sandals, memberships, if you haven’t hip or chest waders work well too, just be cautious about losing your foot in already, and to become actively the mud. involved in our organization. We can only become stronger as our If you want to give it a try and want some help setting up equipment you can members come out of the wood- call me or one of the other members and we’ll help you get set up. Getting work and make a presence. above the fish in a boat gets you a better view of the fish and usually will Hopefully we will see you at the yield more sightings (but you still have to hit them to make it count). next event bows dusted off and arrows flying true. This shoot is always fun even if you just show up to eat lunch and talk fish- ing. This shoot will be at CJ Strike Reservoir (south of Mountain Home) at the Jack’s Creek boat launch, bring your wading shoes or boats and join in 2010 Cabin Fever on the fun. Camping is also available in the area if you want to show up Shoot Friday night. See you on the water! —By Jerry Wilson
This year’s Cabin Fever Shoot was Boise was covered in a blanket of believe that winter was still here. held on Saturday, February 20th on snow and it was cold and very We were not disappointed, the the same piece of Fish and Game windy. But we were committed and clouds had opened up to blue WMA land in New Plymouth, as headed out to fling arrows come skies above New Plymouth and years prior. If you can remember rain, sleet, or snow, refusing to even the wind seemed to slow that far back to that early morning, down a bit. son opening on the same weekend. To those who did show up, thanks to you we are able to keep this activity going.
I hit an all time high—I came away with one boat motor cover, and a wheel chalk for my travel trailer. The lunch after was great, the weather was probably the best we have had in three years, low wind, sunny, and warm. Lee Roy Wilson's camp site at the Cabin Fever Shoot provided a warm fire, conversation and free food and drink. Jeff did an excellent job cooking up moose burgers and dogs. Despite the inclement weather in A big thanks goes out to club Thanks go’s out to Jeff for cooking Boise and the surrounding areas, member Lee Roy Wilson, who and bringing all the goods. the turn out for the shoot was again was camped on site with great. I think everyone who attend- generous donations of free food for I think now is a good time to ed the shoot would agree that the all and a warm fire for those in remind every-one that practicing club couldn’t have picked out a need of warmth and conversation. up on your aerial shooting is not group of more clueless and unsus- illegal but in all fairness it does pecting animals to shoot at, except Thanks, also goes out to those who make the rest of us look bad if you for a few smarter ones that chose helped to set-up and take down the hit all the targets first—Mike. to hide in the thickest brush and targets, it’s your commitment to the absolutely refused to come out for club that makes the shoot a suc- We all had a great time, hope to a clear shot. cess. see you next year at this shoot.
Most participants shot the course Litter Pick-Up and multiple times hoping to catch one of those smarter animals out in the 2010 Bowbird Shoot open. It was great to get out of the —By Eric Snow house from a long winter and take our bows for a walk through ani- All those who didn’t show up for mal-infested lands. Hunting stories the litter-pick-up, fearing there were told, new hunting plans wasn’t enough litter for everyone, made, new friendships were made, once again were wrong. There was and old friendships rekindled. All plenty of litter for all. in all you couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day in the field. Actually it didn’t seem as bad this year. We had a short list of people show up partly due once again to the scheduling of turkey youth sea- The Moose Lodge provided a smorgasbord of meat, potatoes, salad and more.
Dave Doran of Archery Past gave a presentation on the history of archery in Oregon and Idaho, and then presented ITB with a longbow built by Ron Robinson, a former bowyer who lived in Boise, as ITB’s first piece in its historic collection of bowhunting artifacts. Dave and his new bride Nancy also finally got their wedding cake!
The practice butt Panda Bear provided the much-needed practice before hitting the 3D course.
The Professional least I think it was a hunting show, and goofing off, not hunting they did shoot a deer! But it kind because it was raining. Then, when Hunter of bothered me. For 90% of the the weather did clear up they —By Ryan Furrer show they were trying to sell me filmed him walking down the trail something. Now I know there towards a treestand while doing an Today it’s completely different— wouldn’t be a show without spon- interview, where he then tells the 25 years ago a professional hunter sors and commercials, I’m ok with camera that the guide was putting was an older, big-bearded, burly that, I just don’t like when they him in the best treestand on the guy with a weathered face that make it seem that you can’t be property. looked like he just had slept in a successful without their product. I hollow log for the last two weeks. think there is a way to sell your He settles in not knowing anything Now he’s a young exceptionally stuff without insulting the intelli- whatsoever of the terrain, wind good looking, well groomed per- gence of the consumer. direction, where the bedding areas son with very white teeth provid- are in relation to the food sources, ing some sort of comic relief. The rest of the show they had a or funnels connecting the two. He country music star sitting in the had no clue why the guide said I just finished watching a “hunt- kitchen of the lodge eating cookies this is his best stand. He knew ing” show on the television. At young ladies (don’t get me CEO. Then they will load the show wrong I like to look at the up with the music stars and ath- beautiful ladies as much as letes. These are people who can the next guy) country music afford to hunt any time anywhere stars, and top professional they wish and yet they are the ones athletes. There being put on given the best spots in the country diets, wearing makeup, and for free. being told how to dress. Are these people hunters? Sure One of my favorite shows on they are. But do they have the television is CSI New York, same passion as you and I, that’s by the end of the show the questionable. One of the reasons I characters have kept me on think it’s questionable is because the edge of my seat wanting when I was a kid my parents to tune in next week for always told me I can be anything I more, But the reality is wanted to be as long as I put my they’re just that, characters, mind to it and never gave up. not real cops. They are on That’s exactly what these “profes- special diets, told how to sional” hunters did. They all want- dress, what to say, and they ed to be something else. . . not wear makeup. Performing hunters. They wanted to be, musi- nothing! A few hours later and he for an audience is there job. cians, athletes, race car drivers, TV arrows a mid 150s 4x4, then he stars, etc. goes into a miniature commercial Not all, but most of our favorite thanking every piece of clothing, hunting shows are the same. And, The hunting industry is the only sight, broadhead, rest, and arrow, if the famous star or athlete isn’t industry I’ve been around where as he even thanked the UTV he drove the host, then it is probably the long as you have enough money or into the stand! Like that had any- show’s main sponsor’s president or fame you are treated as a profes- thing to do with his success. He had no idea why that deer was where he was, when he was or where he was heading. He was just a warm body in a treestand, and the only skill he showed was mak- ing a 15 yard double lung shot on the animal. That’s when it got me thinking.
These are our PROFESSIONAL HUNTERS? Where are we head- ing? I’m not trying to step on any toes here, because there are some true professional hunters out there and I don’t want to offend them. I just want to point out a few things.
We’re 20+ years into the video and television show craze. It seems to just be getting worse. Yester-year’s professional hunters are being replaced by today’s TV stars, Ryan Furrer’s passion for bowhunting comic personalities, beautiful led to a fine day afield, and a nice Tom Turkey! sional. Sometimes you see people like Garth Brooks and Michael Jordan go out for the White Sox baseball minor league team, but they didn’t make it. There fame got them there but it couldn’t keep them there, they just weren’t good enough.
Some of the best/most passionate hunters I know are guys who have to get up early everyday to go to work, pay bills, get all there chores around the house finished, then they sacrifice sleep and family time to go do some much needed scouting so they can plan their lim- ited vacation only to hope that the weather coincides with their cho- sen week. These guys are truly passionate about our sport. Yet Judy and Richard Beesley gift a Rhinehart Velociraptor target they are the ones with the least to the Idaho Traditional Bowhunters to use on the cubs and opportunity to find good hunting chicks range in future Idaho State Bowhunter Jamborees. spots, because of the fame and Pictured with Richard and Judy is Idaho Traditional popularity of all the TV personali- Bowhunters president Jeff Fealko. ties its driving land prices through the roof, especially in the famed hunting camp with some of our have to kill a 140 class buck on big buck country of the Midwest. closest friends and family. Now some big-time ranch or with a big- It’s becoming more difficult for the everybody has their secret spots time outfitter with a camera and average Joe bowhunter to go hunt- they go to all by themselves, then country music star by his/her side ing in the best locations on a budg- when asked how they did or what saying “I’m pumped,” “that’s awe- et. they saw they lie to you and down some!” or “you just put the smack play the action as if the listener is down on that joker.” Just take them The days of offering a handshake going to jump in their rigs and out, maybe see a deer, maybe not, or some work around the farm invade there honey hole.. It’s maybe have a doe get there wind have been replaced by big money almost comical what today’s hunter and snort at them, then do it again outfitters, huge hunting clubs or has evolved to! the next weekend. Persistence is land leases. You can’t blame the what will keep them involved, not farmers, they are some of the most The truth is, we’re losing our youth just one day a year, it’s not a vaca- unappreciated people in the coun- to TV, computers, video games, tion—it’s a lifestyle! try who are just looking for some etc. Single-parent households are income to help out. If the hunting on the rise, and the average age of We’ve succeeded in hooking industry is going to make their our hunters is going up every year. today’s youth on watching the land more valuable they’re going Fathers and uncles seem to just be entertaining hunting shows instead to take advantage of it. busier than they used to be, and of getting them outside and getting thanks to the economic decline, it them hooked on the actual hunting I really feel bad for today’s youth; is harder to pay the bills. I think experience. I know the hunting I know how much hunting has the future of hunting would be bet- industry is a big, well-oiled changed in the last 20 years. It sure ter off if some of the hunting show machine driven by big money, and does scare me to think about the personalities would actually go and the reality is it’s not going to next 20 to 30 years. We used to take a random youth and introduce change. But I don’t have to like it! pack up and go to a very low-tech them to the outdoors. They don’t pocatello, ID
The Best Archery June 26 - 27, 2010 Shoot in the World! Hosted By: Pocatello Field Archers 5880 Pocatelo Creek Rd., Pocatello, ID 83201
For more information, contact Jeanie Beebee: (ph) 208-251-8891 (fx) 208-233-5196
50 Targets 100 Targets Event Schedule: Pre. Reg. At Event Pre. Reg. At Event Adults $25 $30 $40 $45 SATURDAY: SUNDAY: Couples $40 $45 $65 $70 7:30a: Registration opens 7:30a: Registration opens 1:00p: Registration closes 1:00p: Registration closes Youth* $10 $15 $15 $20 3:00p: Milk Jug Shoot 2:00p: Range closes Kids** FREE FREE FREE FREE 4:00p: Darton Challenge 2:15p: Claim prizes 5:00p: Range Closes 2:30p: Scores due *Youth 15-17 Save $5 if you pre-register 2:45p: GoldTip Iron Buck **Kids Pre-registration ends one week prior to event 3:15p: Bow giveaway and awards Register online at www.r100.org For further information, contact [email protected]
Archery Pronghorn horn hunters to 200 limited con- review the success rates from last trolled tags from Aug 15th to the year and continually modify the Report 31st, and an unlimited controlled seasons until we get somewhere —By Blake Fischer hunt from Sept 10th to the 24th. that bowhunters and biologists can agree. As Bowhunters we should be con- As bowhunters, we lost hunting cerned about the future of archery seasons due to social issues, the pronghorn hunting in Idaho. For IDFG decided to “fix” these prob- Traditional Winter those who don’t know, last year the lems with a biological change. If IDFG changed from an over-the- we want to avoid this sort of “fix” Banquet counter archery pronghorn tag to in the future I suggest that we, as —By Jeff Fealko an unlimited controlled tag, in bowhunters, start to police our- February found us organizing hopes of reducing the number of selves or we are going to lose tables and clearing space for the hunters in the field. This imple- more. early arrival of several vendors mentation backfired as they sold anticipated to arrive within the the most archery pronghorn tags to I have also been in contact with the hour. The past few years our win- date. BLM to try to change the rules ter banquets had been only an about blinds and see if I can make evening potluck dinner with a The primary reason that the IDFG a portable-blind-only rule that guest doing a presentation. With wanted to reduce the number of would eliminate these “temporary” the lack of a traditional expo in the hunters was to reduce the number blinds that we are seeing built on vicinity, we decided to go back to of complaints that they were the edges of the waterholes. our roots and try to start back up receiving about bowhunters “fight- the Traditional Day events that ing” over waterholes. Now the Next year we need to keep after the started the EXPO so many years IDFG has limited archery prong- IDFG and make sure that they ago. The day was full of people carous- hunting Africa. Larry Fischer and dren’s hearts. Dave, thanks for ing and purchasing goods from the Mark Ulschmidt have both made your continued devotion to this 15-plus vendors who had made the numerous trips to the Dark sport and thanks for sharing those trek to Boise. We would like to Continent in pursuit of big game memories. thank all the vendors for showing and provided a wealth of knowl- up and enthusiastically supporting edge. They covered questions from After our dinner and Dave’s talk our organization and sport that we how many arrows to take, clothes we had our plethora of door prizes all love. It’s your continued partic- to bring, costs, etc. From the raffled off. Three tables could ipation that brings and holds a crowds enthusiasm I am sure there barely hold the supply of goods crowd at events like this. are some people already planning donated by vendors and members their trip. alike. Shawn West did a magnifi- Hopefully next year we can make it cent job of organizing and keeping bigger and better than this year. To We also had a quick question and track of the raffle items and the see a full list of vendors please see answer session with Idaho silent auction items. It went very our thank you-section to them in Congressman Walt Minnick. He smooth and I think that most peo- this newsletter. listened to our concerns as sports- ple won an item or two. Thanks men and gave us some feedback on Shawn. We had three seminars throughout how he felt things were going and the day that provided much-needed where they were headed. Although With over 65 people at dinner, and insight and information on every- his stop was quick it was good to probably well over 150 visitors thing from cooking to hunting see the amount of people gather throughout the day, it was the most Africa. Guy Perkins from Camp around to provide their input and successful winter banquet we have Chef took some simple ingredients, we all appreciated Congressman had in the last five years. As we common to most hunting trips, and Minnick lending his ear. continue to grow each year, we will made some delicious Panini sand- most likely be looking for a new wiches. He focused on the use of Our dinner was catered by the venue for this coming banquet. If cast iron, with a stove top use, and Moose Lodge and their members. you have an idea of where or how also showed off the new Camp It was a smorgasbord of meat, pota- to hold this event please get in con- Chef Mountain series propane toes, salad and more. I tried to eat tact with a member of the executive stoves. Whether in hunting camp them out of food, but there were committee or better yet show up at or at home Guy has always been still ample supplies for everyone to one of our monthly meetings and able to make up some excellent get seconds. present the idea yourself. fare. Our main presenter of the evening Mike Okamura led a well-attended was Dave Doran of Archery Past. seminar on the methods and philos- Dave talked about the history of Thank You to ophy he uses when building wood archery in Dave’s home state of arrows. From the lack of symme- Oregon, and a little about the histo- Our Vendors try, to materials, and fletching ry in Idaho and how we should try • Archery Past methods, Mike spilled his guts on and preserve some of that history. what he perceives is required to Dave generously donated a long- make a good arrow. And if you bow built by Ron Robinson, a for- • Camp Chef were at the banquet I am sure you mer bowyer who lived in Boise as saw some of Mike’s pieces of art. ITB’s first piece in its historic col- He builds a truly beautiful arrow lection of bowhunting artifacts. • Eclipse Broadheads and they fly as good as they look. Dave also talked about giving back He might be bringing some of his to the sport that has given us so • Fox Archery stock up at our fall shoot if you are much, from life long memories and interested. friends, to lifelong partners. Giving back is the only way we can • Maddog Archery Our third seminar was more of a help ensure traditional bowhunting question and answer session on a place in the future of our chil- • Mike Okamura • Columbia River • Shawn West/Ed Knife & Tool Gamboa • Oregon Packworks • College of Western • Traditional • Professional Idaho Machinist Bowhunter Bowhunter Society Club Magazine
• Shurewood Shafts • Great Northern • Toelke Traditional Quivers, LLC Archery • Traditional Bowhunter • Jeff Fealko • Wild Things Magazine • Jerry Wilson Thank You to ITB Membership Renewal • Juniper Mountain A reminder to everyone, ITB memberships are per Our Donators Longbows calendar year. All 2009 • Idaho Archery memberships expired on Outfitters • Lisabee Web Design December 31, 2009. Please send in your membership • Bear Den Archery • Maddog Archery dues as soon as possible, or bring your dues to our monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every • Eclipse Broadheads • Mike Okamura month at the Cabela’s meeting room in the south-west corner of • Cabela’s • Oregon Packworks the store. Mail your dues to: Idaho Traditional Bowhunters • Camp Chef • Sean Carriere Attn: Jeff Fealko 3824 S. North Church Place Boise ID, 83706 • Shadetree Shafts
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I have enclosed: ( ) $10 for a one-year membership ( ) $20 for a two-year membership Idaho Traditional Bowhunters Fall Tune-Up Shoot July 31st and Aug. 1st Scriver Creek-Just North of Crouch
Highlights Traditional bows only On-site camping Shooting Both Days Over 20 3D Targets Hunting Stories Galore Rules Good Old Fashioned Fun No Broadheads Skins ($) Target Shoot No Compounds And More... No Pouting Must Have Fun An Event For The Entire Family Costs Shoot Times Directions From HWY 55: Non-members $20.00 Saturday 9am—4pm Turn East on the Banks-Lowman Rd (Includes Membership) Sunday 9am—2pm Turn North on the Middle Fork Rd Towards Crouch Members $10.00 Turn West on Scriver Creek Rd (5.3 Miles North of Crouch) Kids Free Follow Scriver Creek Rd for Approximately 5.5 Miles to Camp
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Blake Fischer—208-867-2703 or Jeff Fealko—208-866-8753 I daho Tr aditio nal Bo w hu nter s ’ Annu al C a r p e - D i e m Carp Shoot—J u n e 5, 20 10
• Excellent prizes! • Excellent Fun! • Everyone is welcome to participate. • Traditional bows only. • Boats allowed, traditional fish-stalking strongly encouraged • Start Time at 9:30 a.m., fish check-in at 4 p.m. • Meet at CJ Strike Jack's Creek Boat Launch • Jack's Creek is located on the Bruneau Arm
• Contact: Jeff Fealko at (208) 866-8753, or e-mail him at: [email protected] North Idaho traditional bowhunters
annual summer shoot at “the cabin” June 19 – 20, 2010
* All Traditional * Primitive camping available * Hot Breakfast & Lunch available!
* Vendors welcome * Pets OK (on leash) *Trophies for all classes
* 40 shooting stakes * Over 100 3-D targets! * Souvenir t-shirts & pins
Traditional longbows and recurves only. No sights or release aids. Binoculars OK. Carbon arrows OK. NO Broadheads!
Trophy Categories Recurve (m & w) – Longbow (m & w) – Primitive – Youth - Cub
Shoot Fees
Adult (18+) 1 day = $15 2 day = $25 Youth (12 – 17) 1 day = $8 2 day = $15 Family 1 day = $25 2 day = $40 Cub (under 12) Free!
Fun Shoots!! Bow Birds - (Bring your own flu-flu’s) Free! Distance Shoot - 100% payback each round! ($1 entry) Lantern Shoot - 100% payback for top 3 shooters! ($5 entry)
Call Ken Anderson, 509-592-0490 or Carl Saunders, 509-878-1920 for more information or email [email protected] See map on back for directions to shoot. North Idaho traditional bowhunters
Shoot located between mile-markers 7 & 8 on State Route 9 (Deary-Harvard cut-off road) approximately same location as non-existent town of “Stanford”. Watch for the signs!!
shoot site