Valley

SPORTSMAN

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MONEYSAVER 2018-2019

 Valley
SPORTSMAN
626 Thain Road, Lewiston, ID • 208-746-0483 • www.lcmoneysaver.com

W
elcome to Valley Sportsman – a local magazine specifically tailored to hunters, anglers and
outdoor enthusiasts in North Central Idaho.
This issue showcases a variety of stories from our part of the Gem State. From tips on
purchasing a used rifle, cashing in on antlers and cougar sightings to a bear excursion that
ended in the bottom of Hells Canyon. Without a doubt, this issues is sure to entertain.
Deb Jones, Publisher

INSIDE
4 Key Hunting &
Fishing Dates

6 Matters
Why It

8 Pregnant
Tags Bull Elk
Hunter 4 6 8
10 JetBoating
12 Cougar
Sighting

16 Texas
Canyon
to Hells

18 BillConservation
for Wildlife
10 12 16 18
20 Rifle
Purchasing a Used

22 Surprising
Feline

24 Antlers
Cash
Mean

26 Brag
Board 20 22 24 26
ON THE COVER: JASE GROESBECK

Publishers
Deb Jones - Moneysaver Layout Designer
Sarah Klement - Idaho County Free Press Travis Movius
Advertising Reps Publication of Eagle Media Northwest
Lisa Horner Graphic Designers
Wendy Wolf Travis Movius 626 Thain Road • Lewiston, ID 83501
Kristin Michael Afton Bond 208-746-0483 Lewiston
Lisa Atkinson VALLEY 208-983-1200 Grangeville
SPORTSMAN 3
Moneysaver
 KEY HUNTING &
FISHING DATES

2018 KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

Dates are for the Clearwater Region only and may 15 April: Spring black bear hunting season opens
be different elsewhere in the state. Dates also may
vary due to weapon and/or tag types, controlled Spring wild turkey hunting season opens
hunts, emergency closures, etc. Please consult the 1 May-5 June: First controlled hunt application
current IDFG hunting/fishing regulations—avail- period for deer, elk, and black bear
able at license vendors, IDFG offices, and online at
https://idfg.idaho.gov–for specific season dates and 31 May: First Super Hunt application deadline
times.
1-10 June: Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain
1 April-30 April: Controlled hunt application period goat controlled hunt winners will be notified
for moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat
1 July: 2019 Trapping licenses go on sale
8 April: Spring wild turkey youth hunting season
opens (ages 10-17 only)
VALLEY
4 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
10 July: First controlled hunt drawing results avail- 1 November: Beaver, marten, mink, muskrat, and
able for deer, elk, and black bear otter trapping seasons open
Resident deer and elk tags go on sale 1 December: 2019 hunting and fishing licenses go
on sale
25 July: Idaho bighorn sheep raffle drawing (tickets
must be purchased prior to this date) 14 December: Bobcat hunting and trapping seasons
open
1 August: Wolf hunting season opens
Dates provided by Idaho Department of Fish & Game and are tentative and
Deadline for controlled hunt winners to purchase could be subject to change. Check IDFG.idaho.gov or call 208-799-5010 for more
details. Pick up a copy of your hunting regulations for complete details.
their controlled hunt tags
Leftover nonresident general season deer and elk
tags go on sale as second tag
5-15 August: Second application period for un-
claimed deer, elk, and bear controlled hunt tags
10 August: Second Super Hunt application deadline
25 August: Second controlled hunt drawing results
available
27 August: Leftover controlled hunt tags from sec-
ond drawing go on sale
30 August: Deer and elk archery hunting seasons
opens
Black bear and mountain lion hunting seasons open
Forest grouse hunting season opens
Cottontail and snowshoe hare hunting season opens
Wild turkey hunting season opens
Moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat hunting
seasons open for controlled hunt winners
1 September: Mourning dove hunting season
opens (tentative)
15 September: California quail, chukar, and gray
partridge hunting seasons open
1-2 October: Youth waterfowl hunting weekend
(tentative)
6 October: Youth pheasant hunting season opens
(ages 17 and under only)
10 October: Deer and elk any weapon hunting sea-
sons open
13 October: Pheasant hunting season opens
Duck and goose hunting seasons open (tentative)

VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 5
Moneysaver
 WHY IT
MATTERS
By: Barry Cummings, District Conservation Officer
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
As I was standing at the dam on the North Fork of the
Clearwater River, a man walked up and asked me if I
could answer a question for him. Being a Conservation
Officer for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, I
was checking licenses and creel of several anglers that
were focusing their efforts on the congregating fish in
the North Fork.
“Does the hatchery have all of the fish they need for
brood stock”, he asked.
“I believe they do”, I replied.
“Then tell me why you care how many fish people
keep? Aren’t all of these fish going to die anyway?”
I asked him to look around and tell me how many
anglers he could see. I estimated 20 or so just from our
location.
I told him “all of these folks came out here today with
the hope of catching a steelhead. They all have the
same opportunity and if they reach their limit, they will
quit for the day. If not, every fish taken over limit is an
VALLEY
6 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
opportunity taken away from another angler.”
“I have never thought about it in that way”, he replied.
Fishing, hunting and trapping regulations generally
address three types of objectives: biological, safety
and fair chase/fair to all. Every year I teach the ethics
portion of several hunter education classes and in every
class I teach, I ask the same question. Does it matter
if someone sitting in this very class, whom you do not
know and may never meet again, is an ethical hunter?
Do you care if that same person is a lawful hunter?
The answer is easy. The few that choose not to follow
the hunting and fishing regulations choose to take an
opportunity away from someone else. Those choosing
to make poor ethical decisions also effect all of us by
eroding the public’s perception and trust of hunters.
Every fall officers receive multiple complaints from
concerned citizens and landowners who witness people
hunting from a motor vehicle or shooting from a public
roadway. Both activities are unlawful in Idaho and are
highly visible. I live in rural Idaho and have experienced
this myself.
Just a few years ago, I was home when I heard a loud
gunshot. I was standing next to a window and remember leaning down away from the window as it sounded like
the shot came from right outside. As I stood up and looked out, I saw a vehicle traveling slowing down the roadway.
I drove down to where I believe the shot came from and noticed that my horses were spooked since they were
crowded into a corner of the fence.
I caught up with the vehicle within a mile and when I made contact with the two occupants, one of them said, “I
shot at a group of five or six deer that were standing in a pasture up the roadway”. I asked him to describe where
he was when he fired the shot and his description confirmed my suspicions that he was near my home. He stated
that he was unsure if he hit anything, so we returned and walked into the field. I found his bullet track in the
pasture and asked him to look behind us. His response was “wow, there is a house there, I didn’t see it when I
shot”. The driver further stated that he did not know any of the landowners in the area, had not asked anyone for
permission to hunt and admitted that he was driving around in his vehicle looking for a deer to shoot.
As I cited him for hunting from a motor vehicle and shooting from the roadway, I explained that this is the type
of activity that has lasting impressions on landowners.
For me and my family, it was the sixth time that shots
came from the road by our home in rural Latah County.
Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
Rules and regulations are in place for a reason – to
conserve wildlife and protect the public. So, the next
time you have the opportunity to talk hunting ethics and
laws with someone, let them know why it matters.
Barry Cummings is a District Conservation Officer for Idaho Fish and Game
in the Clearwater Region. He started his career with the agency in 2001 as a
Conservation Officer in Idaho Falls. Barry moved to the Deary patrol area in
2002 and served as the local officer until 2010. In his spare time, Barry enjoys
woodworking, hunting and fishing.

VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 7
Moneysaver

By Elizabeth Eastman
In early 2017 the chatter began of what hunting adventures
my husband Josh and I would embark on. Elk, whitetail,
mule deer and moose were all options. My first instinct was
to put in for an elk draw unit because after multiple years
of unnotched tags and seasons without spotting an elk, I
wanted to try something different. Josh knew the perfect
unit for me and I submitted my application. The weeks and
months went by with anticipation building - who would
draw what tags. Days before draw results were posted we
received some of the best news, our first baby would be
arriving February 2018! As exciting as this was, I wondered
if and to what extent I would be able to hunt come fall.
The day came and draw results were posted. Josh was
unsuccessful in his draw for an archery elk hunt. I on
the other hand had success and received all tags I put
in for. Josh was more excited than me. Scouting began
immediately. Google Earth, maps scattered over the living
room floor and a plan for physical conditioning was going
to make this a successful hunt. Hot summer days often
ended with loading a pack frame with dumbbells and
starting out on a cross country adventure through hay and
wheat fields. While I knew this was nothing compared to
the rugged river breaks, it was what I had nearby. Multiple
scouting trips revealed bull elk, and while none were
trophy class, I was ecstatic and willing to hunt any of them.
As opening day neared I felt prepared and ready for a
7-day hunting adventure. Being 22 weeks pregnant
many people questioned my ability, but I was fine. I had
prepared for this day and my doctor gave me the go
ahead. The night before opening day was spent behind
glass scanning the terrain, hoping the open brush fields
would reveal the location of an elk. Josh was diligently
scanning the ridge in front of us while I was digging
through my pack for a snack to curb the growling of my
VALLEY
8 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
PREGNANT
HUNTER
TAGS FIRST
BULL ELK
stomach. Only moments passed when his eyes caught
the unmistakable buckskin color of an older bull elk and
excitement was immediately upon us. The largest bull we
had seen all year was contently browsing while another
chewed his cud in the shadows of a fir tree. As the crisp
breeze brushed across our skin chatter began and plans
were made for how to make a successful morning hunt.
As the sun was setting the elk became uneasy, we were
confused about their sudden change in behavior when
Josh noticed a UTV and two people walking on the
ridge directly above them. Shortly after, the disturbed elk
disappeared into the timber two shots rang out, my heart
plummeted, the excitement from moments before turned
to outrage and anger. Josh and I looked at each other
in disbelief of what happened, questioning if they were
shooting elk out of season. Then the realization came to
us that bear season was open and that was likely what the
hunters were pursuing. Irritated the elk were pressured
before season, we hiked back to camp picking up the
pieces of what had just happened.
Opening day came and went, our time was spent hiking a
small portion of the immense landscape. The chirp of the
birds and soft mewing of elk were quickly replaced by the
buzz of ATV’s and distant echo of rifle shots. The weather
turned cold as a winter storm rolled in, and visibility
became limited. On our second day Josh decided it was
time for a timber sneak. As we crept through the woods
our senses heightened, every step we took was important.
A crunch of the brush or snap of a twig was sure to alert
an elk to danger. The only fresh sign we found was the
carcass which remained from a successful hunt the day
before. The muscles in my legs were fatigued as we began
our hike back up the heavily timbered ridge, my feet were
soaked and hands numbed by the brisk winter air. I began
to wonder why I enjoyed the adventure I was embarking
on. The evening calmed as the storm passed. Exhausted
from the day I snuggled down into my sleeping bag and
quickly fell asleep. As I dozed off, my guide, husband and
best friend spent time scanning maps for the perfect place
to find an elk on day three. In the early morning hours, we
were awakened by water dripping on our face, our tent
was leaking, our gear was soaked. We were miserable.
With few hours of sleep, we pulled our things together and
headed out for yet another hunt. Fresh snow dampened
the sound of boots moving across the landscape and
it was peaceful as the sun began to rise. The first few
minutes revealed fresh elk tracks cutting across the trail
followed by a whitetail doe resting peacefully in the duff
under a pine tree. It was going to be a good day. We
scanned the open brush fields, hoping to catch an elk
feeding across the slopes before bedding down. Nearing
the end of our morning hunt Josh spotted spike antlers. I
began the season with a goal of shooting a branch antler
bull, but my mindset had changed. I was humbled by the
previous days and just wanted to successfully harvest an
elk. My heart was racing as I reached to pull the cover off
my scope, the moment I had been waiting for was finally
here. The spike walked behind brush revealing only a small
portion of his front shoulder. I was not comfortable with
the shot. Minutes passed which seemed like hours before
he turned and walked out of sight. I was sure he was
gone but Josh knew otherwise. He helped me move and
get set up in a better location so all I had to do was wait.
The elk quickly passed through one small opening, yet I
missed my chance to squeeze the trigger before he was
hidden behind the brush again. Seconds later my attention
was drawn to an opening on the hillside, another bull had
revealed himself. I quickly placed my crosshairs behind his
shoulder, took a deep breath and squeezed the trigger.
The elk wheeled around and took off into the brush. Josh
looked at me with a big grin on his face. I was still in
disbelief but Josh knew I successfully harvested my first
bull elk! The next several hours were spent dressing out
my freshly harvested animal while smiling, laughing and
reminiscing about current and past events which led us to
where we are standing today.
With one shot, my tag was notched and my elk hunt was
over. My bull was not a branch antler bull however, it was
my first and I am content. Hunting public lands allowed
me to experience first-hand how the impact human activity
can change animal behavior. This season not only gave me
the opportunity to harvest my first elk, it humbled me as a
hunter.

Elizabeth graduated from University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree

in Fishery Resources. She is employed at Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Division as
a Restoration Specialist. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, camping, riding Elizabeth with her husband Josh and daughter Ellis
horses and spending time with her husband and daughter.
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 9
Moneysaver
 JET BOATING HAS BEEN
AROUND FOR MANY YEARS AND
IS CONSIDERED “EXPLORING
WITH A BOAT”.

By Brice Barnes
Riverview Marina
Jet boating has been around for many years and is
considered “exploring with a boat”.
A jetboat is a boat propelled by a jet of water ejected from
the back of the craft. Unlike a fiberglass motorboat that
uses an external propeller below or behind the boat, a
jetboat draws water from under the boat. The water then
goes through an intake and into a pump-jet inside the boat
and is expelled through a nozzle at the stern. Jetboats
were originally designed to overcome the problem of
propellers striking rocks in the water.
Jet boats can be used twelve months out of the year,
whereas fiberglass and other boats are typically only used
in the spring and summer months. Since fiberglass boats
have a shorter window for good weather, they must be
winterized so they won’t freeze and break.
The advantages of a jet boats are unlimited.
First, there is no winterization needed. The motor has its
own cooling system inside called closed loop cooling and
the motor uses antifreeze that runs through the motor to
cool it off. Fiberglass and prop boats use river water to cool
the motor. All inboard prop boats need to be winterized
because river water is in motor.
Second, heaters and defrosters are a huge benefit.
Because jet boats can run year-round, the heater/defroster

S&Kamiah,
S TIdahoires Hours
is great for keeping warm while boating and steelhead
Monday- Friday
8am-5pm. fishing in the colder months.
Saturday by
appointment only.
Third, jet boats have shallow water and big capabilities.
111 S Front Road • 208-935-7805 There is a hole in the bottom of the boat called a grate
intake, which sucks the water up into the jet pump to
propel the boat. Since there is no external prop motor
the consumer can be more confident knowing there is
a minimal chance of hitting rocks because jetboats can
literally run in inches of water. If a rock is hit, more than
BALANCING • ROTATION • TIRE REPAIR
likely little damage will be done.
We also do brake changes, shocks, oil changes and have batteries for sale.
We have competitive pricing.

VALLEY
10 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
Lastly, since jet boats are made of aluminum, the bottom
can be dented and still run without difficulty. With other
boats, a rock can crack, break and possibly even sink the
boat.
The downside to operating a jetboat is small. The most
common limitation is that the operator simply doesn’t know
the correct channel when boating in shallow water and
rapids.
Jetboating in the Lewis Clark Valley is not just hobby – for
many it’s a way of life.
Brice Barnes is the manager of Riverview Marina. Jetboating has been a 45-year
family tradition that he learned from his dad and is passing on to his daughter,
Brooke. He considers the river a special place and has a passion for building
custom dream boats for his clients.

TACKETT’S SAW SERVICE

845 E. Main 208-983-0491 Grangeville, ID

VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 11
Moneysaver
 COUGAR SIGHTED,
VIDEOED ON
KOOSKIA MAN’S
BACK PORCH
By Andrew Ottoson
Idaho County Free Press
Published July 25, 2018
“We had a visitor Friday night,” Idaho County Commissioner
Skip Brandt wrote in an e-mail Sunday morning, July 22.
He included two surveillance videos of a cougar creeping
around on his property, one of which ended with a swish
of the big cat’s tail — after which it leaped at something off-
screen.
“Folks should know that it is out there,” he said. “It was not
that big of a cougar. I suspect it was just a little bigger than
our 80-pound Lab.”
Brandt told the Free Press he didn’t shoot it.
“Our Lab was all excited to get out there and tear into it,”
he explained. “So as I reached for the door knob with gun
in hand, I had this image of her taking me out at the knees
as soon as I cracked the door, and then as I landed on my
back shooting a hole in the ceiling. Would not have been
good,” he exclaimed.
Cougars have been seen in Kooskia city limits before,
notably in 1999, when the Lewiston Tribune quoted then-
12
Captured from video by Skip Brandt”
future, now-retired Idaho Fish and Game Clearwater Region
supervisor Dave Cadwallader.
“You don’t need our permission when it’s a public safety
issue,” Cadwallader reportedly said. “They are not going to
be breaking any Fish and Game laws if this thing shows up
on their porch and they shoot in self-defense.”
The Free Press sought clarity as to City of Kooskia policy on
discharging firearms within city limits in the circumstance
of a threatening animal appearing on private property, but
did not hear back from the city attorney before the press
deadline.
As for IDFG’s approach to the matter, not much has
changed.
“Lion sightings have been pretty common in the Kamiah,
Kooskia, Stites and Grangeville area,” district conservation
officer George Fischer told the Free Press. “It’s nothing
new. If you have deer you will have lions eventually. Folks
should just be aware there are lions and bears here. Don’t
feed them or let them lose fear of you. A ‘tame’ one has the
potential to be very dangerous.”
Fischer said IDFG had heard of a recent incident in Caribel
involving a bear that walked into an outside kitchen and
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
“got himself shot a couple months ago.”
When it comes to mountain lions — and how people
handle moments of self-defense — long-time locals rarely
ask permission to protect themselves.
“We just hope they, one, truly felt they, their family and/
or their property was threatened. Two, they have a safe
shot and are very sure of their target — and what may be
in front of or behind it. There have been scary and sad
stories as a result of lion hysteria and collateral damage.
And, three, call it in ASAP after the shot, so there are no
problems.”

Commonsense actions can prevent problems

• Don’t feed wildlife, including deer, raccoons or other
small animals. All are lion prey species and may attract
mountain lions.
• Feed pets indoors if possible. Pet food left outdoors may
attract mountain lions or lion prey, such as raccoons.
Find more tips in an IDFG pamphlet available online at
https://bit.ly/2IUKSDp.

VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 13
Moneysaver
 SIGHTINGS AROUND
THE REGION

Idaho Fish and Game under a “creative

commons” license in 2015

VALLEY
14 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
 VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 15
Moneysaver
 TEXAS TO
By Brad Chance
Mike and John Lynch, brothers from San
Antonio, Texas and seasoned hunters
have always had a black bear hunt on
their bucket list. But being from Texas it
was obvious they would have to hunt in
another state. When they met Bob Chance,
a seasoned bear hunter from Idaho on an
Aoudad hunt, the talk of a bear hunt in Idaho
escalated and eventually became a reality.
In May 2018, Mike and John woke up to
alarm clocks in San Antonio and by 5am had
checked their gear and boarded a plane
bound for Idaho. With a plane change in
Salt Lake City, Utah the two hunters would
be arriving in Lewiston at 11:30am. Bob
picked them up at the airport and took them
to get their hunting licenses and tags. After
a quick stop for groceries, they began the
short trip into the Hells Canyon Area.
The plan was to drop Mike off at Bob’s
brother, Brad Chance’s camp. Brad was
enjoying a few days of morel mushroom
hunting while spotting and stalking bears.
Bob and John would team up to hunt
another area about ten miles away while
Mike would hunt with Brad. This would give
the brothers better odds that they could
each harvest a bear.
When Bob, Mike and John arrived at Brad’s
camp it was already 4pm. There was a
heavy fog coming out of the canyon and
due to the thickness, it was challenging to
site in Mike’s gun even at 100 yards. Once
the gun was sited, Brad and Mike decided to
take a drive to glass. Bob and John did the
same heading in the other direction.
Mike, a flatlander from Texas, knew that
the country would be rugged but had no
idea how rugged until the fog lifted, and he
was able to see deep into the Snake River
Canyon. His exact words were “Wow, this
looks like New Zealand.” There was no
doubt he was in awestruck by the beauty.
We continued to drive to the turn-around
VALLEY
16 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
O HELLS CANYON
point where the road was gated off. It was there
that we finally got below the fog line. We began to
glass the mountain side looking into the lush green
canyon. It was then that we saw a dark figure
moving and realized it was a bear.
We got out of the truck and immediately set up
the spotting scope. After looking at the sun, our
watches and the bear below it was decision time.
I told Mike to get his gear and we ran down the
mountain to a spot that we could set up for a 300
yard-shot. Once there and out of breath with our
legs burning, we noticed the bear had moved into
the next drainage.
We quickly decided we were committed to hunting
this bear so deeper into the canyon we went. Since
I was familiar with the landscape I knew the bear
wouldn’t be able to escape without being seen
and it wasn’t long before movement came from the
only tree in the drainage. Mike quickly set up on
a rock to have a solid rest and fired. He dropped
the first bear he had ever seen – a female black
bear weighing in at approximately 200 pounds. It
was 7pm and we were about 1.5 miles into Hells
Canyon.
The bear was an old female, blind in the right eye
and was missing several teeth. Mike thought the
bear was destined to be his because they shared
the same color of hair.
“I was determined to earn this bear and pack it out
myself,” said Mike Lynch.
Mike did pack the bear out on his own, which
took about two hours. The bear’s hide will be
tanned and rugged, which will take about a year to
complete. The skull was bleached and shipped to
Texas.
Back at camp that night, the story was told.
Unfortunately, Mike’s brother John’s bear hunt
came up short. That said, the brothers plan to
return to Idaho for another hunt.
For Mike it was a remarkable hunt and a day to
remember. A day that started in Texas and ended
at the bottom of Hells Canyon in Idaho.
Brad was born and raised in Lewiston and is employed by Clearwater Paper. When Mike Lynch & Brad Chance
not working he loves to spend time in the woods scouting, looking for sheds, hunt-
ing and picking mushrooms. His philosophy – any reason is a good time to be in the
woods. VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 17
Moneysaver
 FEDERAL BILL COULD
PROVIDE NEW FEDERAL
MONEY FOR WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION

By Roger Phillips, Public Information Specialist

Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - IDFG
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch introduced the bill on July 17, House
version introduced in December
Senators James Risch (R-Idaho) and Joe Manchin (D-West
Virginia) introduced Recovering America’s Wildlife Act into
the Senate on July 17, which could provide additional federal
money to states for fish and wildlife species with the highest
needs. The House version of the bill was introduced in
December. 
If the act becomes law, Idaho Fish and Game intends to use
its share of the funds to implement Idaho’s State Wildlife
Action Plan. The plan provides strategic direction to use
non-regulatory, action-based solutions to conserve fish
and wildlife with an emphasis on more than 200 species of
greatest conservation need, which include greater sage-
grouse, wolverine and wild steelhead.
“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would allow the
Idaho Fish and Game Commission to devote additional
resources to species of concern without detracting from
others. That in turn would benefit the management of all fish
and wildlife in Idaho and the citizens who enjoy it through
better conservation and also enhancing the rich tradition of
hunting and fishing,” Fish and Game Commission Chairman
Derick Attebury said. 
The act would redirect $1.3 billion annually in existing
royalties from the development of energy and minerals on
VALLEY
18 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
federal lands and waters to be dedicated to the Wildlife
Conservation Restoration Program, which is an account
under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program. 
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act could be the most
important conservation legislation in a generation. For
more than 75 years, wildlife conservation in the U.S. has
primarily been funded through fishing, hunting and trapping
license fees, as well as excise taxes on hunting and fishing
equipment. 
“This funding will be a game changer for the conservation THE ALL NEW 2019
RAM 1500
and management of Idaho’s fish and wildlife,” said Rex
Sallabanks, Fish and Game’s Wildlife Diversity Manager.
“Species identified as being in the greatest need of
conservation in Idaho’s State Wildlife Action Plan need our
attention in order to prevent them from becoming listed as
Threatened or Endangered under the Endangered Species
Act. 
“Passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would
enable the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to
implement necessary and important actions to benefit
GROUNDBREAKING
BEST IN CLASS
these species — including both game and nongame —
thus maintaining our state-led management authority
as stewards of the full array of Idaho’s fish and wildlife,”
Sallabanks said.

LOADED WITH TECHNOLOGY

VALLEY
SPORTSMAN 19
Moneysaver
PURCHASING A
USED RIFLE
By Mike Thomas
Lolo Sporting Goods
This is a great time to purchase a used rifle. The
proliferation of new accurate entry level rifles at very
reasonable prices has lowered the demand for used rifles.
With careful shopping one should be able to purchase
a used mid-level rifle for approximately half the cost of a
similar new rifle.
The future use of the rifle and a budget should be
determined. This will quickly narrow the field. If shopping
for a deer rifle in a particular price range, all rifles above that
range can be eliminated fairly quickly. The same can be
said for all rifles either not suitable for deer or not legal for
deer hunting in the area you intend to hunt. By the same
token, if shopping for a varmint gun all rifles not well suited
to that sport may be eliminated.
A quick perusal of the used rifle rack in a sporting goods
store may reveal a few candidates that are suitable and
within the desired price range. These candidates can be
further sorted by fit. A tall person most likely will not want a
compact rifle, and a shorter person might find that to be the
best option.
20
Having narrowed the field, it is now time to determine the
condition of the rifle. A rifle that looks well used and worn
may have been fired very little. The opposite is also true.
A rifle that has been fired extensively may look new.
Here are a few quicks tips that within a few minutes should
allow you to determine whether a particular rifle is in good
working order. Finish wear will lower the value, but seldom
will it impair functionality. I will describe the things to look
for on a bolt action rifle, and most of this information will
transfer to other designs.
First look for cracks in the stock. If the barreled action is
able to move in the stock upon firing, the stock may crack.
These cracks may be hairline fractures that could lead to
future trouble. Look to the rear of the bolts that hold the
barreled action in the stock. Turn the stock so that light
hits these locations a various angles. If you notice a thin
dark line, examine the area further as the line may be
the result of oil, moisture or dirt migrating into an almost
imperceptible crack.
If the stock looks good, remove the bolt. You will want a
good light to peer through the barrel from both ends. If
there is dust in the barrel, ask a store employee to wipe
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
it out. The dust is also an indication that the firearm must Any faults other than a frosty throat, a corroded barrel, or
be disassembled and cleaned. If it has sat long enough to a badly broken stock can be easily fixed by a competent
gather dust in the barrel, it is highly likely oil has congealed gunsmith. However, the cost of this work should be
in the fire control area possibly leading to an unsafe considered before making an offer.
condition. There are other things to take into consideration before
Looking from the chamber end of the barrel, there should making an offer, for example the cost and availability of
be no rust or corrosion. If there is, it may lead to extraction ammunition, but if you follow the few steps outlined above
problems. The area where the bullet enters the rifling you will tilt the odds of finding a good used rifle in your
is called the throat. The ends of the lands should look favor.
square and sharp. If they look frosty, significant erosion has
Mike Thomas has been the manager of Lolo Sporting Goods since 2010. Rarely does a
taken place. This is most common in rifles that have seen day pass that he doesn’t learn something from a customer. It may be a technical point,
extensive firing. If the throat is frosty, it is time to reconsider or a lesson in integrity but he’s constantly learning. His motto: If it goes bang, it is
intriguing.
the purchase.
Now look at the other end of the barrel. The very end is
called the crown, and it should be damage free. The finish
may be worn off, and this is okay, but there should be no
scratches, dents or corrosion. The crown may be cut in any
of several styles, but it should be symmetrical. A crown that
is damaged or nonsymmetrical will impair accuracy.
The bore itself should be bright and shiny. If it is not, it is
time to reconsider the purchase. The reason for this is that
a fouled bore may have corrosion beneath the fouling. The
only way to determine the condition of a fouled bore is to
clean the fouling out. This can require a good bit of work,
and time.

VALLEY 21
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
SURPRISING
FELINE
By Kacey Jackson-Sanders
Snake River Adventures
It was April and we were taking a class of fourth graders
up into Hells Canyon for a yearly school field trip. The
day was sunny and beautiful. The air was filled with
excited sounds from the children chattering as everyone
loaded up on the jet boat.
Captain Nate Luther and Deckhand Eric Purdue made
sure everyone was comfortable and safely seated on
the boat before idling out onto the river. As the jets
powered up, Nate talked about the rock formations
along the river and told stories about the history of
Canyon Natives.
An hour into the trip, the students began to see wildlife
and the entrance of Hells Canyon. A bald eagle was
spotted soaring, and a flock of geese was coming back
from the south.
As we continued up the canyon, the road alongside
the river came to an end. The kids were amazed at the
22
number of houses built along the river banks. It was
explained that everything from Heller Bar on up the river
must be taken by boat, including the truck and excavator
that they could see.
Further up the river, we came to Wild Goose, which was
the first sizable rapid on the journey. The kids loved
what looked like “boiling white water”. It was explained
that Wild Goose got its name from the way that the river
swirled. And that back in the day if a boater didn’t catch
the current just right, the water would grab the bow of
the boat and whip it around in a “wild goose chase”.
The first stop we made was at Garden Creek Ranch,
which is a nature reserve spot that is leased from the
state. While stopped, the kids had the opportunity to
pick fresh fruit from the orchard and look for the deer
and turkey that live in the area.
After loading back into the boat, we continued up the
river and spotted more wildlife. The children saw mule
deer and big horn sheep on the bank. Then the most
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
exciting thing happened – Captain Nate
spotted an animal swimming in the water
and slowed the boat to get a better look.
As he approached the animal turned and
looked straight at the boat. The animal
in the water was a cougar! The children
were told that it’s rare to spot a cougar let
alone watch one swim across the river.
On this class field trip, the students got to
see something that they will never forget
– a rare cougar sighting. It just goes to
show, you never know what you will see
when exploring Hells Canyon but it’s sure
to be beautiful and filled with surprises!

Kacey is the Tourism and Sales Director for Snake River Adventures.
She was born in the valley and has worked with several local
businesses on the river including the Snake River Task Force
Committee. She currently serves on the Local Tourism Committee.
In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors horn hunting
and hunting and fishing with her husband and four kids.

NEW Ownership•NEW Products•NEW Prices

a e Br o thers Sporting Goods

R
OPEN 7 DAYS 208-983-2877
A WEEK!
247 East Main • Grangeville, ID 83530
Cordova Coolers
Made in Idaho!

®Everyday Low ®In-Store Bakery

Prices ®Service Deli Large Selection of Hunting, Camping & Fishing Supplies!
• Ammunition & Reloading Supplies • Knives - Made in Idaho and USA
®Friendly Service ®Money Orders • Hunting Licenses & Tags • Archery Accessories
®Choice Meats ®Case Sales • Firearms & Accessories • Large Selection of Optics
• Clothing & Outdoor Wear • Fishing Tackle / Live Bait
®Fresh Produce Cost + 10%
★ New Country and Rustic Decor Loft! ★
®Ice ®Lottery Sales
®Harvest Values
415 W. Main
7am to 10pm Mon-Sat Grangeville, ID raebrossportinggoods.com
8am-8pm Sunday 208-983-0680 Serving You Since 1975

VALLEY 23
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
ANTLERS MEAN CASH
By Gary Schroeder
Moscow Hide and Fur
Idaho residents can find and sell shed antlers
including antlers from animals that have died from
natural causes. In addition, hunters may sell the
antlers from animals they have legally shot.
While most antlers are “found” in the spring after
deer, moose, and especially elk shed them, snow is
also a consideration. Lots of deer and moose antlers
get covered with snow because they are typically
shed in the winter. Typically, deer start shedding in
December, moose in January and elk in late March.
Collectors must wait for the snow to melt in some
areas so that they can find the antlers and access
previously “snowed in” country. Once we have “leaf
burst” and the bushes and trees get their leaves, it is
more difficult to see antlers. And don’t be surprised
to see a deer or moose running around in late spring
with their antlers!
The best place to find shed antlers is where the
animals are at the time of year when they shed them.
This can vary from year to year as snow levels will
often be the determining factor in ungulate altitudinal
migrations. So, don’t count on elk being in the same
place each spring. Snow will keep animals at lower
elevations and an early “green up” pushes them into
the higher country.
24
Collectors should ensure that they have permission
to search private lands, including those owned by
timber companies. Potlatch Corporation, for example,
sells an access fee for $50. National Forest, BLM,
and Idaho public lands are open to everyone unless
posted as closed. Many roads are closed in the
spring because the road beds are soft and vehicle
traffic will result in ruts and other damage. Obey
these signs so that we can all continue to enjoy
access to our public lands.
Antlers will vary in quality. Newly shed antlers will
be nice and brown and hard. Others that have been
shed for a year or two could have cracks. Older
antlers that have been overlooked for several years
will have the outer surface flaking off and will often
have algae or leaf stains unless they are laying in the
sun; if laying in the sun they will be bleached white.
These will be grades as “chalky.”
Nice fresh antlers can have some tines missing
because the animals were fighting during the rut
and broke them off. In the 1970’s I found two 5-point
white-tail bucks in a canyon south of Genesee that
were fighting and got some barbed wire wrapped
around their antlers. Of course, both bucks perished.
Often, antlers will have varying degrees of “chews” on
them because everything from mice to porcupines to
bears and coyotes will chew on them. Even though
antlers are shed, there is still blood in the center of
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
them and this is attractive to all animals. They serve
as a source of calcium as well. Sometimes, half of
the antler has been chewed away.
Trophy quality antlers are probably worth keeping. Or
maybe they are just nice mementos of a cherished
time spent afield.
So, what are antlers worth? Nicely balanced sets that
have no chews and are fresh, will be purchased for
“set” premium prices by many dealers. Everything
from spikes to larger sets can often be sold this way.
Other dealers will just buy everything by the pound
and will cut sets from the skull plate before buying
them. To serious antler dealers, everything is worth
something, even the “chalky” sides that have been
afield for a number of years, and those Grandpa
stored in the attic or barn for fifty years. It is wise to
wash them off before taking them to a dealer so that
they be properly evaluated.
Prices can vary from $10-$12/pound on the best
antlers to less than a buck a pound on the lower
grades. Some special sides can bring a premium of
$2-$3/pound. These are usually the especially large
sides or those that have some unusual configuration.
Obviously, the heavier antlers like elk and moose can
80 YEARS OF
ADVENTURE
At P1FCU, we know that life is an adventure. That's why easy
account access is our priority. With 24/7 mobile banking and
nationwide access, your accounts are right at your fingertips.
Let us join you on your next adventure.
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
put more money in your pocketbook faster than deer
antlers or older type antlers. But, hey, you might as
well pack everything out of that canyon because that
is all you might find today.
Antlers are used for a variety of purposes. Lamps,
chandeliers and furniture can all be made from
antlers. The antler arch at the Cowboy Hall of Fame
in Oklahoma has lots of Idaho antlers in it. Lots
of antlers are now used for “dog chews” and can
be found in pet stores. In addition, elk antlers are
shipped to the Far East for medicinal use. Pens, knife
handles, buttons, furniture handles, and arrowheads
are a few of the other uses for antlers. Older antlers
are often used for decorations in xeroscaping. Some
are just sold for squirrels to eat!
Get some exercise, ask permission, stay legal and
enjoy Idaho’s outdoors through shed hunting. If you
are lucky you can put a few bucks in your pocket. And
who knows, you might find the trophy of a life-time
just lying there waiting for you!
Gary Schroeder is the Sole Proprietor of Moscow Hide & Fur, a business he started
in 1973. He earned a MS degree in Zoology from the University of Idaho and served
18 years in the Idaho Senate. He enjoys spending his free time in Idaho›s streams,
forests, and mountains.
25
 BRAG BOARD Sponsored By:

James Waham
VP, Branch Manager | NMLS ID# 400411
208-792-4006
JamesWaham.com

AV I D WA H AM
JAM E S & D Lewiston Home Loan Center
1428 G Street
Lewiston, ID 83501

All loans subject to approval.

AUTREY HARDIN &

ANGIE McCOY TAYLOR DAY
ELIZABETH
EASTMAN

RICK & TOM MURRAY

GABE CIRKA CARTER GOSSAGE
VALLEY
26 SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
HOUSE HUNTING?
Get the right lender in your sights.

DAVID ACKERLAND

SAGE JONES

GRACIE HARVEY
Happy homeowners
start here.
If a new home is in your future, get in touch with us first!
We’ll help you apply for loan approval before you shop,
giving you the confidence to put in an offer when you find
the place you love.
Call us to:

SNAKE RIVER
– Have the majority of the work done on your loan, LORI CARLTON
ADVENTURES
even before you find your property
– Hear about special promotions we can offer our clients
– Explore financing options for remodel projects or new
home construction
– Review your current mortgage for potential savings opportunities

Call or visit us today!

208-792-4000
1428 G Street | Lewiston, ID 83501
www.homestreet.com/lewiston

KRISTIN MICHAEL
BOB BITTON &
KEVIN SNEVE SETH RHODES
VALLEY 27
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
All loans subject to approval.
 BRAG BOARD
CRAIG RABE
TYLER KEMPSTER &
JAMES WAHAM
DON SCHAFF

KEMPSTER FAMILY
Happy homeowners
start here.
MORGAN THOMAS
If a new home is in your future, get in touch with us first!
We’ll help you apply for loan approval before you shop,
giving you the confidence to put in an offer when you find
the place you love.
MADDY THOMAS
Call us to:
– Have the majority of the work done on your loan,
even before you find your property
– Hear about special promotions we can offer our clients
– Explore financing options for remodel projects or new
home construction
JAMES WAHAM
– Review your current mortgage for potential savings opportunities

Call or visit us today!

EMILY RABE
208-792-4000
1428 G Street | Lewiston, ID 83501
www.homestreet.com/lewiston

NORM VANNESS

SAGE JONES
VALLEY SCHAFF FAMILY
28 SPORTSMAN
All loans subject to approval.

Moneysaver
 FISHING TIPS:
Filleting & Skinning A Fish
Large fish such as Salmon, Steelhead and big
trout or fish with large plentiful scales, such as
bass and
1. Lay the fish on its side on a
flat surface. Cut the fish behind
its gills and pectoral fin down to,
but not through, the backbone.
4. Remove rib cage after the fillet is cut. panfish,
are easier to cook if they have been filleted and
skinned first.
5. To skin the fish place it skin side
down on a flat surface, insert
the knife blade about a 1/2 inch from
the tail. Grip the tail firmly and run the
knife blade at an angle between the
skin and the meat.

2. Without removing the knife,

turn the blade and cut
through the ribs
toward the tail. Use
the fish’s backbone
to guide you.
Turn fish around and finish cutting fillet
away from the backbone.

3. Turn the fish over and

repeat on the other side.

Provided by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife

www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/

DID YOU MISS OUT?

Releasing a Fish
Always wet your hands and handle the fish gently as you
fish loses consciousness, try to revive it by gently moving
it back and forth in the water so water moves through its
remove the Email gills. When the fish revives and begins to struggle, let it
yourthebrag
hook. Grasp boardtophotos
fish carefully avoid anyto go. Fish do not always survive being caught.
spines on the back. If the fish is hooked deeply, you may
deb@lcmoneysaver.com
not be able to remove the hook. Cut the line and release For more information about catch and release go to
the fish. The hook will rust, dissolve or work its way this link: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/
for ourhooks
loose. (Use barbless 2019-2020
if you plan onedition
releasingof
the Parts • Repair • Service
docs/CatchReleaseBrochure.pdf

HAuto
ometowN
Valley
fish you catch – they can be muchSportsman
easier to remove.) If a Ph. 208-962-5920
http://www.dfw.state.or.us

BRAGOREGON
BOARD DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
Parts & Service
412 S. 1st
Cottonwood, ID
& AG, Inc.
VALLEY 29
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver
 ASK FIRST
IDAHO’S TRESPASS LAW changes July 1, 2018.
Know before you go!
All persons must have written permission or other
lawful form of permission to enter or remain on
private land to shoot any weapon or hunt, fish,
trap or retrieve game.
A person should know land is private and they are
not allowed without permission because:
• The property is associated with a residence or
business;
• OR cultivated;
• OR fenced or enclosed in a way that
delineates the private property;
• OR unfenced and uncultivated, but is posted
with conspicuous “no trespassing’ signs or
bright orange/fluorescent paint at all property
corners and boundaries where the property
intersects navigable streams, roads, gates and
rights-of-way entering the land and posted in
a way that people can see the postings.
Note – if private property adjoins or is contained
within public lands, the fence line adjacent to
public land should be posted with “no trespassing
signs” or bright orange/fluorescent paint at the
corners of the fence adjoining public land and at
all navigable streams, roads, gates and rights-of-
way entering the private land from public land and
posted in a way that people can see the postings.
It is illegal for anyone to post public land that is not
held under an exclusive control lease.
Private posting at navigable streams shall not
prohibit access to navigable streams below the
high-water mark as allowed by Idaho law.
A property owner may revoke permission at any
time. Any person must leave private property when
asked to do so by the owner or agent.
Idaho Migratory Game Bird 2018 – 2019 Seasons & Rules
30
A first conviction of trespass on private property
carries a mandatory one-year revocation of
hunting/fishing/trapping licenses in addition to
misdemeanor fine and seizure of animals taken on
private property.
Federal law prohibits unauthorized trespass on
Indian-owned reservation lands for hunting, fishing,
or trapping purposes.
Refer to Idaho Code 36-1603 and I.C. 18-7008.
Please visit: https://idfg.idaho.gov/askfirst
Permission Form
Permission given to:
__________________________________
Dates permission is valid:
from: _________________
to: ___________________
General Description of Property:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Landowner Name (print):
__________________________________
Owner or Agent Signature:
__________________________________
A property owner may
revoke permission at any time.
idfg.idaho.gov 35
VALLEY
SPORTSMAN
Moneysaver