Hunting opener reminders

I am having some trouble getting my life back in sync – and not because of health issues. Of course, missing summer did have its affects. Then we have had a funny fall. Much damper than usual, which has thrown my fall color picture taking out of whack.

Now, to make things really weird, the weatherman insists on talking about snow. Not just a single storm, but wave after wave of rain and some snow. We have had multiple years when a big early snow plunged us into winter in mid October, but I can’t remember a fall when it rained for three days, delivered a skiff of snow overnight, which then melted and after one cloud-free day, the rain and clouds returned.

Just more proof that if you don’t like Montana weather, wait fifteen minutes and it will change.

Biggest change on the horizon is the transition from bow season to the general big game rifle season. I just get used to hunters in camo black face and all of a sudden bright orange clothing is everywhere. Not to mention the “hunter orange” no-trespassing signs.

Hunters are required to wear orange. Non-hunters are not. For my money, everyone in the forest during hunting season should wear orange, or at least bright colors. Every year, people are shot by hunters who are not as careful as they should be. When you pull that trigger, you are responsible for anything the bullet hits. Modern firearms can kill at huge distances and a ricochet can add a whole new dimension to what you may hit and wound or kill. With more and more folks in the forest every year, it is more important to be careful.

Of course there are other safety procedures we should all follow. Hunt with someone – carefully – so if one of you is hurt, you have help. Let someone at home know where you are going and when you will return. Again, this is so you can get help as quickly as possible if needed.

I also believe in having fire-starter and a space blanket or well-layered clothing – just in case. Because we have so many streams and rivers where I hunt, I don’t always carry water, but I usually have some kind of energy food and the ability to make hot tea. Mother Nature is not always nice and it is always possible to have car trouble or fall down and hurt yourself, so it pays to be prepared.

The NFLA October meeting was really well attended, with over 30 members on hand. I think the draw was John Fraley and his super presentation about his latest book. The book features four historic stories about each of the three branches of the Flathead River. His PowerPoint pictures are great, his humor is outstanding and you need to go to multiple presentations since he only covers two or three of the stories at each presentation.

Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.