MEANDERINGS
So much to do , so little time
By Raf Viniard
Not that I don ’ t have enough things to distract me from running this publication but now fishing season is about to open . Time to wet a line and fire up the cast iron skillet .
I have gone out a few times trying to find that BIG bruin but have not closed the deal yet . I have passed on a couple of smaller bears ... I hope not to regret . The bears are really stirring and spring is way early this year so there is plenty for them to eat . My turkey hunting got pushed to the rear once bear season opened and for shed hunting I try to do that while I am bear hunting .
Chris Borntreger sent me this picture of Mannie Troyer ’ s gobbler that he took with seven beards . Amazing !
As for Morels I have picked a couple handfuls in my hunting areas ... you know just enough to say I found some . I got friends that are willing to show me where to go to find that Mother Lode but time is not on my side . Caleb Wengerd sent me a picture of his bucket full of Morels shown left .
This year is just flying by . Once bear season goes out we get to put out our game cameras . Then we have trails to cut , mountains and drains to scout . Throw in a few summer family camping and fishing trips and it will be archery season before we know it . Oh and not to forget the kids sports activities , gardening and lawn upkeep that will keep us all busy . I don ’ t take vacations anymore since I am living in the best place in the world and feel like I am in paradise everyday . Think of all the folks that spend a lot money to vacation here and we get to wake up to that Montana mountain air every morning .
Oh and we must not forget about getting the boat and other fishing gear ready to hit the water . With the days getting longer I find myself getting home later and later every night . I love the fall but spring is my second favorite . I finally got more daylight to enjoy each day to the fullest . My problem is my body can ’ t handle what my brain and heart wants to do . My batteries are drained by the end of the day .
For archery hunters the bows are coming back out and arrows are hitting the backyard targets and 3D shoots . Archery season opens in less than 120 days by the time you read this . Fall hunting trips are being planned and expectations are high going into a new season .
There are gophers that need thinning and providing us with an opportunity to sharpen of our shooting skills and get the kids involved in the outdoors . Grouse season opens in less than 120 days as well . I am seeing a lot of grouse this year so we should have a good fall season . Rifles need to be sighted in and optics and bullets fine tuned before it gets too hot . More and more folks are getting in on the long range shooting . I have already heard of a couple of bears that has been taken over distances of 800 yards plus .
I just picked up a few more traps that are going to need some work and hopefully get to do some trapping this year . Anyone that says they are bored is not “ Living The Dream ”. Even if you are not into hunting or fishing there are so many things to see and do here in NW MT .
All these pictures that come in gives me the drive to keep pushing on so that maybe someday I can retire and make myself sick hunting , fishing and trapping and probably going broke from running up and down the mountain roads . Until then fire up the grill , lay the phone down and get out there and live every day as if it was your last .
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