We’re in the midst of a nasty spring snowstorm here.  We've been varmint hunting for a few days.  It’s not quite so productive when the snow is falling, but it is sure fun!  We always get to see lots of big game while we’re varmint hunting.  Antelope and deer especially don’t seem to worry much about shooting this time of year.  The turkeys and the sandhill cranes are creating quite a commotion in our neighborhood.
 
I’m hoping the sun will come out in force for the next week or so, for bear hunting.  We've got a couple of bear hunts next month, and also will run a cattle drive.
 
The suspense is over!  Everyone who applied in the general big game license draw either has a license or a refund in hand.  Everyone who applied in the outfitter client category has received licenses, as well.

If you were unsuccessful in the drawing, you may still have a chance.  You can go to http://fwp.mt.gov and sign up for the alternate list before May 10.  The procedure is explained on the website.
 
If you didn't get around to applying for a big game license before the deadline, or if you were unsuccessful in the drawing, you can still book an outfitted hunt and purchase an outfitter client license.  There are several hundred of those licenses available.
 
If you've received your license in the mail, all you have to do now is be aware of the June 1 application date for special elk and mule deer districts drawings. 
 
No special elk or deer permits are required for our main hunting district.  Hunters in our main camp have the opportunity to apply for an additional antlerless elk license.
 
Antelope license applications are also due by June 1.  Our district has a historically high number of licenses; over the past ten years, over 95% of applicants received their license.  Archery antelope hunters may opt to apply for a special archery antelope license that allows them to hunt in more than one district.
 
What ever happened with the mountain lions?   We kept looking for the lion who got away with a trap for a couple of weeks.  Roy Hankins, who has treed 340 lions with his dogs, helped for several days.  We never did come upon that lion, although his dogs located and treed several other lions in the canyon.  The local biologist has recommended raising the quota by one female for the next season. 
 
The March fur auction, held by Montana Trappers Association, brought lots of furs.   I sent one beaver hide to test the market.  It brought the highest price paid.  I’m having the rest of my beaver hides tanned, and will have them for sale this fall.  They sure look pretty hanging on the wall or covering the back of a chair.   My bobcats sold well.
 
Elk Count in our main district is higher this year.  FWP’s spring count is 1,397 elk, a couple hundred more than last year.   The population in our neighborhood remains stable.  The biologist counts deer later in the spring, and antelope in July, to factor in fawn survival.  At this point, deer and antelope numbers look very good. 
 
Neil has been turkey hunting, without much success, every morning before he goes to work.   Guess he’ll have to get back to guiding big game hunters!
 
Steve and Sounder won second place at their final trial this spring in California.  The other three of the top four dogs were all trained and handled by professional trainers.  Steve is working with Callie every day now.  She’s doing a great job pointing Chukars, alive or dead. 
 
Give me a call to talk about your hunting plans.  I have space for several archery hunters yet.   We’ve got some ideal country for bowhunters who want an exciting hunt for elk, deer, or antelope.