It marks the start of what has traditionally been a weekend for families to get together for the final big-game hunt of the season. General rifle season for deer and elk ends at one-half hour after sunset Sunday, Nov. 30, unless Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks makes the decision to extend the elk seasons in some hunting districts.
This holiday weekend is a great time for generations to hunt together, whether it’s for that last chance at deer or elk or to chase upland birds or waterfowl. That includes the youngsters. There is nothing more important to keeping the sport alive.
My e-mail has also chronicled the tales of youngsters’ successes.
Champ Edmonds hunts with his kids Dylan and Sarah every year. This year, Dylan, who is in high school, and Sarah, who attends middle school, have been successful. Dylan bagged an elk - his third in four years - and Sarah, “shot two antelope and her first buck deer with three shots.” Her proud dad added, “She is the best shot in the Edmunds household.”
Ray Round of Missoula noted his young son Kellen is quite the good luck charm. “Kellen is 9 years old and the last two years I have taken him elk hunting and both years I have shot a real nice bull elk,” explained Round.
Hunting with a parent is priceless for a kid. You may view pictures of all their successful hunts on www.montanaoutdoor.com. I will guarantee you that what your child experiences during the trip will be remembered by them for the rest of their life.
Here is a big thanks on this Thanksgiving to all of you who have taken the time this past hunting season to introduce hunting to one of your children.
It’s also never too early to teach your children about wildlife conservation. You can introduce them to the fun of going to a Ducks Unlimited banquet on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Missoula at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Tickets are $55 for a single, $85 for a couple and only $25 for youth. Your ticket includes a Ducks Unlimited membership, dinner and the opportunity to participate in the auction and numerous drawings. You also can get in the early bird drawing if you buy by Friday, Nov. 28. Call Ryle Benke, 546-1587, or Terry Porter, 370-4524.
Other wildlife group banquets will follow throughout the winter. Just pick the organization of your choice and go. And take the kids along.
Mark Ward’s statewide Montana Outdoor Radio Show airs Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. in Missoula on KGVO 1290 AM. E-mail Ward at captain@montanaoutdoor.com.
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