Vol. 53 #3 Spring 2026 Issue

INSIDE:

2026 MBA Convention Details

2026 MBA Official Ballot Details

Changes made to hunting regulations for next season

MBA

Regional Representatives

Region 1

Region 2

Mike Iten 795 5th Avenue West N, Kalispell, MT 59901 406-366-5727 itenmike338@gmail.com

Marlon Clapham 4455 Hoover Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 406-777-2408 mbaregion2@gmail.com

Kevin Robinson 2110 Wylie Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 406-531-8243 Kmrmt00@hotmail.com

Region 3 Liberty Brown 275 Vigilante Tr., Bozeman, MT 59718 406-581-7216 mbareg3@gmail.com

Robin Mestdagh 1540 Anchor Ave, Billings MT 59105 406-839-6371 mestdagh.montana@gmail.com

Region 4 Justin Doll 3908 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405 406-939-0804 j.doll6190@gmail.com

Mark Schwomeyer 201 Big Sky Lane, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-350-0173 markschwo@gmail.com

Region 5 Ben Buller 4143 King Ave East, Billings, MT 59101 .................... 406-672-5616 buller_ben@yahoo.com

Luke Pisk 3420 Lovers Lane, Billings, MT 59105 406-598-6957 luke.pisk@outlook.com

Region 6 Tristan Manuel 48538 Anderson Rd, Havre, MT 59501  406-399-5114 HiLineTraditional@gmail.com

Region 7

EVEN YEARS

AT LARGE DIRECTORS

Cliff Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - obsession_archery@yahoo.com 406-788-9009

Jake Garness 5901 Western Drive, Great Falls MT 59404 - powderslayer22@gmail.com 406-750-4444

Guy Stickney 32 Cottonwood Way, Miles City, MT 59301 - wallguy31@yahoo.com 406-951-2506

ODD YEARS

Todd Anderson 616 Stephanie Avenue, Miles City, MT 59301 - tdanderson67@gmail.com 406-942-0575

Brian Koelzer 80 Jansma Lane, Manhattan, MT 59741 - Rocknrollbowhunter3@yahoo.com 406-570-7997

Patrick Koelzer 1112 Park Ave #A, Belgrade, MT 59714 - pkmasonrymt@yahoo.com 406-570-9450

EDITORIAL COMMENTS

The MBA Magazine is a quarterly publication of the MBA and is intended to inform, entertain and educate its members on happenings within the organization and to bowhunting in general.

PUBLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES

FALL ISSUE, DEADLINE, July 15

WINTER ISSUE, DEADLINE, October 15

SPRING ISSUE, DEADLINE, January 15

SUMMER ISSUE, DEADLINE, April 15

Stories, photos, or cartoons should be sent to Julie Jensen at 391 Coral Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714 or email jjensen44@mac.com. All materials are the opinion of the author unless otherwise stated, and are subject to being edited. All submitted or published photos may be used by the MBA in the newsletter,

and MBA Photo Album and/or on Facebook. Any questions as to policies of MBA please contact the President.

MEMBERSHIP INQURIES

Please send new memberships or renewal memberships to MBS Administrator, Bethany Baily, PO BOX 3515, Bozeman, MT 59772, or register online at www.mtba.org, or ask a member.

MBA Officers

PRESIDENT

Ken Schultz

302 Wyoming Ave • Billings, MT 59101 schultzy@iwks.net • 406-598-8550

1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Stephanie Prater 416 Entrance Ave • Lewistown, MT 59457 mthuntress406@gmail.com • 406-461-6949

TREASURER

Mandy Garness 5901 Western Dr • Great Falls, MT 59404 camoquilter@gmail.com • 406-750-9953

PAST PRESIDENT

Stephen LePage 2574 Divide Rd • Lewistown, MT 59457 mbaregion4@yahoo • 406-535-5636

MAGAZINE EDITOR

Julie Jensen 391 Coral Drive • Belgrade, MT 59714 701-361-9197 • jjensen44@mac.com

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Bethany Baily P.O. Box 3515 • Bozeman, MT 59772 406-548-8222 • mtba@mtba.org

MBA Committees

Legislative:

CHAIR: Justin Doll

Stephanie Prater • Stephen LePage

Liberty Brown

Financial:

CHAIR: Mandy Garness

Landowner/Sportsman:

CHAIR: Stephanie Prater

Mike Iten • Justin Doll

Mark Schwomeyer • Tristan Manuel

Nominations:

CHAIR: Stephanie Prater

Brian Koelzer

Awards:

CHAIR: Cliff Garness

Stephen LePage

Marlon Clapham • Liberty Brown

Robin Mestdagh • Jake Garness

Brian Koelzer

Membership:

CHAIR: Steve LePage

Mandy Garness • Mike Iten

Ben Buller • Ron Aasheim

Convention 2026 (Region 5)

Mandy Garness • Kevin Robinson

Tristan Manuel • Cliff Garness

Magazine:

CHAIR: Cliff Garness

Stephanie Prater • Kevin Robinson

Jake Garness • Guy Stickney

Brian Koelzer

Bridger Bowman Shoot:

CHAIR: Kevin Robinson

Bow-Ed:

CHAIR: Mark Schwomeyer

Al Kelly • Marlon Clapham

Ben Buller • Tristan Manuel

Youth Membership and MBA Teen Bowhunter Camp

CHAIR: NA

Kevin Robinson • Robin Mestdagh

Governance

CHAIR: NA

PTMAE

CHAIR: Marlon Clapham

Jerry Davis • Kevin Robinson

Tentatives

CHAIR: Stephanie Prater

Justin Doll • Mark Schwomeyer • Guy Stickney

PRESIDENT - KEN SCHULTZ

1ST VICE PRESIDENT - STEPHANIE PRATER

TREASURER - MANDY GARNESS

PAST PRESIDENT - STEPHEN LEPAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Greetings All,

Ihope this letter finds everyone in good spirits and good health. As we finish the fall hunting season, the weather has been beautiful. I hope everyone had a very successful hunting season in 2025. I have seen multiple posts of awesome pics of hunters with great harvested animals and big smiles. It is always fun to see pics of successful hunts, especially with the ladies and the kids.

We are gearing up for the MBA Convention on April 2nd and 3rd, 2026. As many of you know, this is Easter weekend. We decided to have the Convention on Friday so folks can attend and still be home for Easter Sunday. I have had some members contact me and help with the set up. I cannot express how much I appreciate that. It will be at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings this year. Hopefully everyone can make it. We will have lots of great prizes for the Auctions, great seminars, and an excellent keynote speaker. For more information, please visit our website to see. We will posting updated information as soon as we can.

The MBA is looking to recruit new Board Members in several Regions to lead our charge to maintain the exclusive bow hunting rights in Montana. We have had several long-term Board Members step away after serving for many years. It is time for some of our younger membership to rise up and take on the roll. I would love to visit with you about the responsibilities that this would entail. Please feel free to reach out to me @ 406-598-8550 or Stephanie Prater @ 406-461-6949 and we would more than happy to visit with you and answer any questions you may have about the positions.

Happy New Year to all! W ith that I will leave you with a reminder to “Shoot Straight and Aways be a Straight Shooter”!

1ST VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Archery season came to an end with us not seeing any deer that we wanted to put a tag on. We are blessed to have a full freezer of elk with plenty to share with friends and family, so it felt right to take it easy on the deer this year. Winter came in like a lion, with great snow conditions to chase cats opening day. A friend of mine with great dogs and I helped another friend get her first lion and her excitement was the icing to end 2025. To add the cherry on top… my husband and I had a great month of bird hunting with our pack of Labradors. It’s hard to believe its mid-January now, and 66 degrees outside. The new year always brings in thoughts of new adventures and scheduling out the year or two ahead. 2026 is going to be filled with some epic bow hunts! It’s always nice to have something to look forward too during the lull before spring.

Lots of changes were made during the commission meeting during the season setting process in December. Make sure you read through them in the article from FWP featured in this issue and as always, take the time to go through the regulation book when it comes out. Some of the bigger changes for archery are doing away with the let-off requirement, splitting region 3 off the 900-20 antelope archery permit, eliminating antlerless elk harvest with archery equipment in region 1 and reducing licenses in lots of areas including approximately 2,500 “orphaned” non-resident buck tags. It’s nice to have a year off from the legislative process but know that your MBA board is still behind the scenes keeping tabs on what is coming up for the 2027 session.

Our banquet will be in Billings this year, a slightly different format than usual due to the Easter weekend, but please try to join us all day Friday, April 3rd for some great seminars, raffles, auctions, games and of course our 48th Annual Bowhunter Banquet. Hope to see you there!

TREASURER’S MESSAGE

It’s been a pleasure working with all of you in supporting the mission of the Montana Bowhunters Association. As a life member I expect to continue seeing many of you at the conventions, shoots and occasionally in the field. Please welcome and support your new treasurer and other board members as well as Bethany Bailey, our bookkeeper/admin.

As you know, we have some of the best archery opportunities right here in Montana, but I hope you’ll go on an adventure someday to meet new hunters and fling arrows at other species. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed traveling to South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, as well as Hawaii, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Nebraska, Alaska, New Mexico and Arizona. Find a hunt at an auction or reach out and we’ll get you in touch with friends we’ve made around the world.

I’ll keep watching the magazine for your stories and photos! My family is always looking for a new recipe too, so share them if you’ve got a favorite. camoquilter@gmail.com

Thank you and best of luck!

PAST PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Lion hunting has been pretty tough here in central Montana due to the lack of snow. Last year at this time there was too much snow to even get around with a Ranger with tracks or even a snowmachine. Fortunately, my lazy hound: Mr. Mehoff, and I were able to get in on one lion kill this year and it was a real nice tom.

Other than that, I am getting excited to see everyone at the upcoming MBA banquet. I always look forward to hearing everyone’s stories and supporting the MBA. The banquet is in Billings this year Friday, April 3rd at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Let It Fly has donated a bowfishing adventure this year and Matlabas Game Hunters has donated another African Bowhunting safari. I have been on both of these EPIC endeavors and I highly recommend bringing your check books to the convention!

With our upcoming election we will have a new Board of Directors and that is always exciting as the dynamic changes with each new Board. I think we have a few open positions, so if you are interested in serving the MBA I would look up our Ken Schultz at the banquet and get some more information.

I will see you all in Billings!

Sincerely,

Stephen LePage MBA-Past President

REGION 1

MICHAEL ITEN

REGION 2

MARLON CLAPHMAN

KEVIN ROBINSON

REGION 3

LIBERTY BROWN

ROBIN MESTDAGH (NO REPORT)

REGION 4

JUSTIN DOLL (NO REPORT)

MARK SCHWOMERYER (NO REPORT)

REGION 5

BEN BULLER (NO REPORT)

LUKE PISK (NO REPORT)

REGION 6

TRISTAN MANUEL (NO REPORT)

REGION 7

A1

MICHAEL ITEN

s I write this it’s during Christmas and I’m reflecting on the year 2025 that seems to have gone by in a flash. Looking forward, we can enjoy another incredible year in Montana’s vast landscape. I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to the sport we all love. The Montana Bowhunters Association (MBA), founded in 1973, has long stood as the unified voice for bowhunters across our state, working tirelessly to preserve and promote bowhunting through advocacy, education, and conservation.

Montana offers some of the finest bowhunting opportunities in the nation—archery-only seasons for elk, deer, antelope, bears, mountain lions, and more—that many of us take pride in pursuing each fall. These opportunities didn’t happen by accident. The MBA has been at the forefront, successfully defending against threats like crossbows in archery seasons, financially supporting Draw-Locs on bows for handicap persons, financially supporting youth camps and archery programs in schools, NASP archers representing Montana, supporting vital programs such as Habitat Montana and Block Management for better access, and promoting ethical, fair-chase principles through bowhunter education for decades. The MBA also signed on with other conservation organizations advocating not to sell 2.5 million acres of our public lands. Yet, as our sport faces ongoing challenges— from legislative pressures to habitat changes and evolving public perceptions—we need a stronger, more united front than ever. With over 58,000 bowhunters in Montana enjoying these seasons, our

collective voice through the MBA is what protects and expands them. A growing membership gives us greater influence with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, lawmakers, and landowners, ensuring that future generations can experience the thrill of drawing a bow in Big Sky Country.

That’s where you come in. If you’re already a member, thank you—your support makes all the difference. But I challenge you: reach out to a fellow bowhunter, a friend at the archery range, or a newcomer to our state who’s inspired by the outdoors. Share why the MBA matters to you—the quarterly magazine full of stories and updates, the advocacy that keeps our seasons strong, the camaraderie at events, and the knowledge that your dues directly fuel our efforts.

Encourage them to join or renew today. It’s simple and affordable—visit mtba.org or mtbamembership. org to sign up. Perhaps gifting a friend or relative a membership to the MBA. Or mail it in using the membership sign up in the quarterly newsletter. Please note that the mailing address has changed as Bethany Bailey has taken over for Claudia Davis. The new mailing address is PO Box 3515 Bozeman, MT 59772. Together, we can build an even stronger MBA, amplifying our voice and securing the future of bowhunting in Montana.

From all of us at the Montana Bowhunters Association, we wish you a successful spring season filled with punched tags, and dreams of this fall’s adventures. Let’s make 2026 our strongest year yet!

Marlon Clapham

Here it is, the last day 2025, as I’m sitting here putting a few notes together for the Newsletter. The entire hunting season just flew by. The mid-season changes with the FWP Commission caught me by surprise with their new way doing the process during the actual hunting season and final meetings early in December. There will be several changes coming for the bowhunters,

the 80% let off law was eliminated, and there were changes in the 900-20 Antelope Archery season with an increase in overall tag numbers, and the entire Reg. 3 was pulled out of the 900-20 tags and have their own number of tags with a special drawing for them. Lots of talk for mule deer permits and 400 HD elk permits. So, when it comes time to put in for special permits and tags make sure you read the regs and understand them.

Here in Reg. 2, there is going to be several spring time events for the MBA to be involved with. We have the Youth events, starting March 21st with the Conservation Elders fund raiser to sponsor the multilabel youth camps all over the state. Then comes the MBA Convention April 2-5 in Billings which there will be a few changes in the Friday evening dinner because of the Easter weekend.

I’ll be setting up the Helena Youth Expo at the Helena Fair Grounds April 18th to run the archery booth. I’ll be needing some help from the Helena members to pull this off, as last year it was just Jerry and I. Moving onto May 2nd the Montana Matters Youth Experience event will take place on the Daily Mansion grounds. They want us to setup a 3D course for the youth plus the La-Port and the regular target butts. We will be needing at least 8 volunteers to help with this event. There is another Youth event the Western Montana Fish & Game Association Shooting Sports event. Again, we will need volunteers to help run the La-Port and target butts. Not sure when that date for the event will be set. May 28-31 will be the first time the MBA will host the Bridger Bowman Shoot over in Bozeman. This is a huge endeavor for the MBA and possibly a good fund raiser. Again, the folks from Bozeman will be in need of volunteers for set up and take down.

Seems that the Carp Safary has been put on hold, I thought there should be something to take its place. So, for those missing the gathering part from the carp shoot and would like to get together with others, I went ahead and booked the same campground for the weekend of June 12th 13th to the morning of the 14th for a campout and dinner hosted by Merri and I. There will not be any contest for carp shooting but that doesn’t mean we can’t go ahead and shoot a few carp, go fishing, swimming, have a few brews Friday and Saturday. Then at 6PM a BBQ followed by the campfire with smores. You’ll have to bring your own beverages as I wouldn’t have a clue what to bring for everyone. There’s limited camping around the Pavilion maybe 11 sites so I’ll need to take early reservations for those. There are still loads of camping around the Hellgate boat launch but you’ll need to make your own reservations for them. You can get reservations by going to www.recreation.gov Canyon Ferry Helena MT. Hellgate Campground. If you think you might want to attend, please RSVP me by texting 406777-2408 or call and leave a message or email me at mbaregion2@gmail.com And by the way this is hosted by Merri and Marlon Clapham, no one else. We just want to have a good time with our friends. I’ll have more information by the Convention in Billings.

And by the way I’m again running for Reg. 2 Area Rep.

Hope to see you all at the Convention in Billings.

Stay in touch Marlon Clapham

Happy Winter from Region 2! Right now, in mid-January we are currently experiencing non-winter like conditions (50+ degrees) but I think the critters in my neck of the woods are enjoying the warm up after four long months of me breathing down their necks. I had a great bow season and took advantage of every opportunity to get out in the mountains and river bottoms. My November whitetail hunts were incredible and the rut behavior I witnessed was some of the best action I’ve seen in years. I was lucky enough to lure an old warrior of a whitetail buck right to my buck decoy on November 20th which happened to be my birthday. With hardly any teeth left in his jaw the local biologist estimated him to be over 10 years old. I’ll report back next newsletter with the tooth age results, I think he was older than Marlon! We have it pretty good here as Montana bowhunters!

Next up is the Convention in Billings. Ken and his crew have a stacked lineup of seminars, raffles and live auction items. We’re bringing back the region games so bring some cash!

We’ll again be having some MBA youth events in region 2 so look out for updates and reminders on those events as we get closer. Those youth events are a ton of fun, and we always need volunteers to help with those events. Reach out to Marlon or myself for more info if you’re wishing to donate your time, it’s for the kids, man!

There will be an MBA camp out at Canyon Ferry June 12-14th. This is a get together to shoot carp and shoot the poo in remembrance of the good old Carp Safari. This won’t be a contest but there could possibly be drinking contests in camp if you’re lucky.

Ihope everyone had a safe and enjoyable season and was able to spend some quality time afield. I wanted to share a brief update based on recent Region 3 wildlife summaries and surveys I’ve received.

In the Madison Valley, hunter numbers were above average, but overall elk harvest and success rates were below average. Warm, dry conditions kept elk widely dispersed, making them difficult to locate. Despite this, most elk harvested came from public land, and crowding concerns continue to be reported, especially with increasing pressure from both resident and nonresident hunters.

In the Gallatin, check station data from 2025 showed average harvest numbers for elk and deer, with slightly below-average hunter turnout on the days the station was open. While check station data only captures part of the picture, it continues to support long-term trends seen through harvest surveys.

Encouraging news came from the January 2026 HD 310 winter flight, where biologists observed 839 elk—the highest count since 2006. Bull-to-cow and calf-to-cow ratios met management objectives, and elk distribution remained favorable, with most animals using public land winter range. Importantly, there remains no legal opportunity for cow harvest in HD 310, as the goal continues to be herd growth.

Thank you to everyone who hunts ethically, respects landowners, and stays engaged in wildlife management discussions. Your involvement matters. Best wishes for a productive off-season, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming convention!

Best Wishes, Liberty Brown mbareg3@gmail.com

TODD ANDERSON

CLIFF GARNESS

JAKE GARNESS (NO REPORT)

BRIAN KOELZER

PAT KOELZER (NO REPORT)

GUY STICKNEY

DIRECTOR’S AT LARGE

Aging in archery. My first year of archery hunting was in 1988. Since that time, I have owned many bows. Some compounds, some traditional, but one thing is certain; the draw weights and what I look for in a bow has changed as the years go by. The 70-pound draw weights and aggressive cams with the highest speed ratings are a thing of the past. I have to admit I’m a gadget guy. I am easily hooked by the new bows and what they have to offer. Every five years I look for something new. We live in incredible times for options for bows that are easy drawing and simple to shoot. With a recent wrist surgery, I missed the 2024 archery season which really hit me hard. Unable to practice, unable to sit in the blind, unable to pack out a harvest, and worst of all unable to get out in that tree stand and rattle in that whitetail buck. That year off really put into perspective to me what archery hunting means to me which I cannot put a price on. I got back into the swing of things this past year but one thing was certain, my wrist surgery was going to change the way I hunt and what I look for in a bow. After shooting 7 different bows I chose a long axle to axle bow, easy to draw a with a 55-pound draw weight. With this change I was expecting some limitations on how a new bow would perform. Man was I wrong. Today’s archery equipment is amazing and allows for old guys like me stay in the game. That said, there will come a time when the bow will be put up for good. Until that time I will take advantage of lower draw weights, heavier arrows, more ground blind hunts and cherish every minute of it! If you’re aging in archery we live in good times!

Happy New Year Everyone!! It certainly does not feel like January in Montana for much of the state. Other states are in the same/similar weather patterns and while I do not want to see snow to the top of my garage door, nor the temps hovering around -30, I certainly do hope that we get some good moisture for outdoor snow/ ice sports, as well as to keep the summer fire season calm. Permit Application season is upon us, so I wish everyone good luck in your various state endeavors. This will be my last editorial as a Region 4 DAL. It has been another great experience working with the MBA board and meeting new people over my last few terms. While I will not be disappearing from the MBA “Family”, I feel it is time to let others have the opportunity as well as to bring fresh new perspectives and thoughts to the MBA Board. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Banquet in Billings this year on April 3rd!

Cliff Garness Region 4 DAL

Koelzer

Greetings everyone!

Ihope you all were on the “nice” list and had an excellent holiday season filled with friends and family. Even though it didn’t feel too wintery outside, Santa still found his way to our house and my boys made out like bandits. Papa Scott made each of them a dozen wood arrows for their “big boy” bows and I have a feeling come spring the tweety birds in the back yard will be getting terrorized.

Convention is in the not-too-distant future and it looks like the Billings crew is doing a great job putting together a fun event. Mark your calendars, book your rooms, and, by all means, bring a friend or two along!

This coming May will be our bow shoot just east of Bozeman. The last few years we have been putting on this shoot jointly with the Bridger Bowmen and it has been a great success. The Bridger Bowmen have generously donated their trailer and targets to the MBA to continue this shoot as the MBA Shoot. This is an incredible opportunity for another fun event and to build on the foundation that the BB has laid. Thank you, Bill and Denver!! Information on this year’s shoot is on the poster in this newsletter. Again, mark your calendars and hope to see many of you there!

In closing I’d like to thank the board members who are stepping down from their positions for all their hard work and dedication over the years. The MBA is always looking for fresh ideas and good people with leadership skills to run for board positions. As a volunteer organization it has always impressed me how much time and wisdom has been donated over the years to “Promote and Preserve” bowhunting in Montana. Our leadership is strong, we are doing great financially, and I see a bright future ahead for this fine group.

>>>————>. Brian Koelze

In the December FWP commission meeting, the FWP commission voted to eliminate let-off restrictions for compound bows during archery season. I opposed this change even though this was largely currently unenforceable as most bow manufacturers had already stopped manufacturing bows with the lower let-offs anyway. Fortunately, the other archery equipment regulations for big game are sufficient to continue to prohibit the use of crossbows in our archery season. However, I view this change as part of a broader trend happening across North America that threatens our archery season which is the erosion of technology limits to hunting equipment.

My first compound bow was a Bear model “who knows”. The let-off was 65% or less. At the time, 65% let-off was the maximum requirement for entry to P&Y. I remember thinking when I upgraded to an 80% letoff bow many years later, how much easier that new bow was to hold at full draw. The thought ran through my head “Was I cheating”?

As technology in hunting and hunting equipment continues to ramp up, I can only view this ramp up for what it is, as a threat to the integrity of our dedicated weapon seasons. At what let-off does the compound bow become essentially the same as a crossbow? 95%? 100%? I sure hope bow manufacturers are asking themselves this question too. I recently saw a thermal imaging bow sight that was being offered for sale. Although this device would not be legal equipment in Montana, I still couldn’t help thinking. “This is getting ridiculous. When is enough, enough?”

Although the let-off change was just symbolic in nature, I feel it is wake-up call that we need to start having a conversation in Montana about technology in hunting. It is time to be pro-active not re-active on hunting technology. Recently Idaho put together a “Hunting and Advanced Technology Working Group”. That group recently came out with their report and final recommendations. I would encourage everyone to look at the report and those final recommendations. It will be interesting to see if Idaho codifies any of the recommendations into their hunting regulations. I hope they do. I would like to see Montana do something similar in the future. Hopefully you all had a great 2025 hunting season. Reach out and let me know what you think when it comes to hunting technology, “When is enough, enough?”

Shoot straight! Guy Stickney DAL - Even

OFFICIAL BALLOT

2026 MBA ELECTION

Your membersh ip status must be active to vote. Family members receive two ballots

Submit th is ballot in th e secret ballot en velope.

Candidates Seeking Election

President

Ken Schultz

Write-in__________________

Region 2 Re presenta tive (Region 2 members only – vote for candidate and/or write-in)

Kevin Robinson M arlon Clapham

Write-in__________________

Region 4 Re pr esentativ e (Region 4 members only – vote for candidate and/or write-in)

M ark Schw omeyer

Write-in __________________

Region 6 Re pr esentativ e (Region 6 members only – vote for candidate and/or write-in)

Garrett Backman

Write-in___________________

D ire ctor s-At-Lar ge – Even Year

(All members vote for candidates and/or write-in – total of 4 DAL positions)

Guy Stickney

Libby Roberts Snelling

Write-in_________________

Write-in_________________

PRESIDENT KEN SCHULTZ

My name is Ken Schultz, and I have been a resident of Montana for the past 30+ years. I live in Billings, Montana with my lovely wife. I have been the Region 5 representative for the past 7 years and President for past 4 years. I have been and avid archery hunter for the past 30 years. I have been blessed with the opportunity to harvest several big game animals over the past 30+ years with my bow. I truly have a passion for bow hunting and have encouraged many friends over the years to take up the sport. I have been a member of the MBA for the 15+ years.

I was born and raised in Central North Dakota. I relocated to Wyoming in 1983 for my job and lived there for about 10 years until moving to Montana. I was the Director of Operations for Hardee’s restaurants until my retirement. After 35 years, I felt it was time to do something different. I have been working in the agriculture industry over the past 10 years and have really enjoyed working with growers and ranchers in the tri-state area.

My wife and I have 5 beautiful daughters and 4 wonderful sons-in-law. Along with that, we have 18 beautiful grandchildren from the ages of 24 years to 1 year old. We are truly blessed!!!

When I was approached concerning this adventure, I thought about the opportunity to impact the bow hunting industry as well as meet many fellow archers who share the same Passion. I feel as President, I have had a positive impact as well as share some knowledge gained over the past 20+ years. I am honored to be a part of Leadership in an organization that I have respected for some time.

REGION 2 MARLON CLAPHAM

I have been bowhunting for 55 some years, starting in 1968, and strictly with my bow since 1984. I have been truly blessed hunting with my bow. Merri my wife for 47 years has bow hunted with me for most of that time. Our daughter Cecelia has bow hunted with us since she turned 12 except when she left for college for three years.

I have been an MBA member since the eighties, served as an area Region 2 representative and president for 2 terms. I have been a senior Pope & Young member for years. I started teaching Bowhunter Education in 1989 and am still an active instructor.

I have hunted several different states back when I could afford it. Alaska for moose and caribou, Wyoming for mule deer and antelope, Idaho for black bears. I drew a big horn sheep tag in 1994. I have hunted elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope, black bears and mountain lions in Montana with some success on all.

Lately the family has turned to spending the spring and summer shooting carp round Helena.

I retired in 2010 with a back injury. So now I volunteer with the Conservation Elders, where we work with youth. I handle most of the archery activities, getting kids to shoot bows. We put together youth camps taking kids to the woods and teach them fishing, archery and other conservation activities about the outdoors.

I’m the chairperson for the PTMAE Committee, working with the physically challenged to experience bowhunting or just shooting archery equipment with their friends.

I am running again for area rep. in Reg. 2 for another term to continue working with the current board. I like to stay informed to try to help keep Montana’s Bowhunting what it was meant to be, the way our founders worked so hard for.

Marlon Clapham

REGION 2 KEVIN ROBINSON

I’ve been serving on the MBA board as your Region 2 Rep since 2019. I would appreciate your vote for another term. Thank you. Kevin Robinson  406-531-8243

REGION 6 GARRETT BACKMAN

Hello! My name is Garrett Backman. I’ve been in contact with Tristan over the past couple of months, and he recently informed me that he is stepping down as Region 6 Rep. He encouraged me to put my name forward for the position and said I would need to submit a short bio and statement of interest.

I currently live in Scobey with my wife Cassidy and our four children: Bryar, Presley, Cameron, and Kaia. I was born in South Dakota and moved to the Flaxville area east of Scobey with my family when I was ten. I graduated from Scobey High School and then attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND earning a degree in John Deere Technology. After college, I worked for several John Deere dealerships and directly for farmers and ranchers across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. Today I am the Regional Precision Farming Specialist for Border Plains Equipment, covering territory from Stanley, ND, to Malta, MT, and from the Canadian border south to roughly Circle, MT.

Archery and the outdoors have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandfather played a key role in establishing South Dakota’s first archery hunting seasons and local archery clubs. In the 1940s he learned how to build longbows and wood arrows from an old Native American neighbor and continues to craft longbows, deflex/reflex, and recurve bows today. He built me a D-style longbow for my college graduation, and I used it this fall to harvest an antelope, two whitetail does, a bull elk, and a couple of bonus grouse. My first bow was a 1970s Fred Bear fiberglass recurve that belonged to my dad; it now belongs to my son, and I would argue that it has taken more sparrows and blackbirds across three generations than any other bow currently out there.

My family and I spend as much time outdoors as possible. I take the kids on multiple tent-camping trips each year, make several solo hunting trips, and go on an annual week-long archery elk hunt with a close friend.

I am passionate about introducing youth to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. I am a Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, and Trapper Education instructor. I also help each year with the Montana Trappers Association youth trapper camp. I currently serve as Region 6 Director for the Montana Trappers Association, which has given me valuable experience working with Montana FWP staff in Region 6 and building relationships with farmers and ranchers across northeast Montana through both my job and volunteer roles.

The main reason I’d like to put my hat in the ring is because I’ve always believed if you’re capable of helping your community in some way but you aren’t doing it then you’re not really a part of that community.

If you or any members have questions, please feel free to call or text me at 406-783-7083. I’d welcome the chance to talk. I’m hoping to meet everyone in person at the spring banquet.

DAL EVEN YEAR MARK SCHWOMEYER

My name is Mark Schwomeyer. I have been on the board before, and I’d like to come back as a DAL. For those that don’t know, I’ve been bowhunting for most of my life and for the last 15 years. I’ve been on some sort of bowhunting organization board of directors. I’d like to serve a couple more years for the MBA.

DAL EVEN YEAR GUY STICKNEY

My name is Guy Stickney. I am an avid sportsman who resides in Miles City, Montana with my wife (Sarah) and my son (Vaughn). I am a lifelong Montanan who grew up on a family ranch in Ismay, Montana. I am currently employed with a Federal Land Management Agency (BLM) as a civil engineer.

I began bowhunting while in college in 1999, so I guess that means I have been a bowhunter for almost 24 years (time flies). It stuck with me and is unquestionably my favorite hunting method and means.  I have hunted in Region 7 avidly for over 30 years.

I know that I could provide good perspective and feedback to the MBA on relevant issues and concerns and their effects or lack thereof in Region 7. I have been actively engaged in the FWP public process including proposed new regulations and season settings for over 2 decades. I have a good understanding of the current Montana hunting seasons and regulations, and through my participation with MTBA, this experience would be an asset to the organization.

DAL EVEN YEAR LIBBY ROBERTS SNELLING

I grew up outdoors. My father would drop us off in the mountains and say, come find me. It was considered socially acceptable to hunt & compete with an age-appropriate rifle and shotgun. But ladies didn’t shoot bows, according to my mother, so I became accomplished at hanging upside-down from the safety of tall Sweetgum trees and sling shot sniping with prickly sweet-gums. “The enemy” never knew where it came from.

An unwitting bowhunter in training.

Fast forward a few decades, I taught myself how to shoot a bow, annoyed some pros, and later drew the attention of two amazing coaches. I met my future husband shooting 3D. Our second date was bowhunting Russian Boars.

My tournament journey was in mid-skyrocket when unexpected events changed my archery trajectory. From being a fully sponsored archer, winning four grand slams, one bowhunter, three freestyle combining 3D/Indoor/Field, One Senior Games Championship, top five multiple State Indoor, & Nationals, Winning money in Vegas, I transitioned into coaching, teaching hunter safety and Judging National tournaments and World Indoor Archery.

• Former 4-H shooting sports Leader

• USA Archery Level IV NTS Coach & Trainer Instructor Level 2.5 USA Archery Judge

• NFAA National Judge SD3A Coach

• Certified Advanced Mental Management, Psych & Conflict Resolution Montana Youth Matters Expos & Camp archery range

Marlon indicated you don’t want a full educational list of pedigrees or professional CV so here is a miniature snippet of archery my life. I do enjoy working with a broad brushstroke of people & animals.

Libby Roberts Snelling or Elizabeth Roberts as my Hunter Safety badge indicates.

306-304-7448

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Visit https://montanawalleyesunlimited.net for more information on how to join Walleyes Unlimited of Montana.

The mission of WALLEYES UNLIMITED OF MONTANA is:

• The organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and/or scientific purposes or to foster national or international sports competition under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code.

• Improve and conserve walleye and other warm water fish in suitable bodies of water.

• Organize and educate fisherman to promote walleye and warm water fishing.

• Develop and maintain forage fish programs in suitable bodies of water.

• Support building and maintaining suitable warm water fish hatcheries and develop a hatchery program which can accommodate the needs of warm water fishing.

• Support any worthwhile fishing, hunting, wildlife or recreationa program organized for pleasure or other non-profitable purpose.

• Dedicate its members by social and educational means to the conservation and propagation of warm water fish; to support true sportsmanship in a lawful and legal manner among those who fish; to promote and encourage good fellowship among sportsmen; to encourage support of fish and game laws; to work for the respect and knowledge of the just rights of property owners and to work for, support and encourage a close,

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Changes made to hunting regulations for next season

MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS

On Dec.4, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission set the Montana hunting regulations for 2026 and 2027. In doing so, it made a variety of changes to address concerns about nonresident hunting pressure and mule deer numbers.

“The commission’s action was a culmination of a lengthy process that started this past summer with public meetings around the state,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark. “Both the commission and FWP heard a lot of input from hunters, landowners and the public. This input was critical in the final regulations that were approved.”

It’s important for hunters to be aware of the changes when planning for next hunting season.

“It’s true, some of these changes will reduce revenue coming to FWP from license sales, but when it comes down to it, this is about protecting the resource, not revenue,” Clark said.

HUNTING PRESSURE

During the past several hunting seasons, FWP staff and Fish and Wildlife Commissioners have heard growing concern and frustration with hunting pressure from nonresident hunters, particularly in eastern Montana.

The commission approved an amendment to the regulations that would cap the sale of a particular nonresident deer license. This cap would essentially cut the number of these licenses available to nonresidents by about 2,500.

“The reason that I brought this forward was to start discussion,” said Commission Chair Lesley Robinson during the Dec. 4 commission meeting. “And something has to be done. We have a lot of overcrowding.”

MULE DEER

Mule deer declines, particularly in eastern Montana has been a concern for the public, the commission and FWP. During its meeting the commission tried to address some of these concerns. First, in 2026 and 2027 most mule deer B licenses will be valid only on private land. The commission also reduced the total number of deer licenses a resident can hold from eight to three.

These changes follow changes the 2023 Legislature made, which reduced the number of deer B licenses a nonresident could hold to one, although nonresident holding a combo license may possess two deer B licenses.

Additionally, in 2024 FWP reduced the mule deer B licenses down to the minimum number within the quota set by the Commission in Region 7, which was 1,000 tags. FWP has also reduced the number of deer B licenses available in other regions, especially Region 6.

The number of deer B license sold by FWP in 2024 were the lowest since 2016. This reduction in deer B licenses is a direct response to declining mule deer numbers.

OTHER COMMISSION ACTIONS

General: The archery regulations were changed to remove the let off for hunting bows. Prior to this, the let-off was a maximum of 80 percent.

Pronghorn: The quota of 90020 licenses (archery antelope) was increase from the FWP proposal of 5,100 to 5,600, but Region 3 was removed from this bundle and placed in its own pool with 500 licenses.

Bighorn sheep: Three quotas were adopted for these licenses: 250-20 any ram: 1; 680-30 adult ewe: 1; 680-31 adult ewe: 1.

Adjustments to bighorn sheep Hunting District 250 to remove the geographical boundary that was described as “valid in portion of HD south of Nez Perce Road and West Fork Road.” This change made the sheep license valid throughout the entire hunting district.

All bighorn sheep hunting districts that are currently designated as eithersex were changed to any ram for all limited opportunity drawings.

Black bear: The archery black bear fall sub-quota was retained in all black bear units with harvest quotes, but the archery sub-quota percentage allowed increased from 20% to 30% of the total fall quota.

Hunters may purchase and accrue bonus points for any limited black bear permits.

Hound hunting season was extended to June 15 to coincide with the end of hound training season.

In Region 2, the boundary where hound hunting is allowed was changed to mirror the occupied grizzly bear polygon.

Mountain lion: The winter season dates were changed to Dec. 1 to May 25. Mountain lion hunting with hounds is prohibited in occupied grizzly bear habitat after April 14. A single license is all that is required to hunt mountain lions in open areas, and the special limited and unlimited licenses were eliminated as recommended by FWP. Quotas will be established in June.

Deer and elk: The quota of the 799-20 elk license was increased from 280 to 325. A second antlerless elk B license will be available to any holder of an elk permit in hunting districts 702, 704, or 705, subject to the same restrictions in time, open areas, and limitations associated with the permit.

All Region 1 elk B licenses will only be valid on private land.

Eliminate all antlerless elk archery opportunity in Region 1.

All other hunting regulations were approved as proposed by FWP.

For more information, visit the Fish and Wildlife Commission page for the Dec. 4 meeting.

Blast from the Past 1996

This bit of information comes from the 1996 Newsletter.

Our President was Jim Bradford from Missoula. The Convention was held in Missoula in the spring. Jim ran for a second term and was reelected. The 1997 Convention was held in Great Falls. The MBA was still involved in the 3D shoot called the Jamboree.

As I read through the 1996 Newsletters there were a few issues that stand out. You’ve all heard that history repeats its self, well here’s what I found.

In the Tentative secession the electric devices were being discussed like the lighted nocks and site pins. The push was to eliminate the “No Electronic Devices” on the bow. There was also discussion about the Mule Deer dropping population. A push was brought forward to put the Rifle Mule Deer Permits starting Sept. 15th and run it into late Oct. Right through the current Bowhunters season. With 30 permits available and only in certain HDs. There was a lot of chatter to shorten the Archery season to three or four weeks to make room the Muzzle Loader season. The MBA rallied its members for a push to stop all this nonscience. Trips were made to each Commissioner for a sit down to discuss these issues in person with great success and put the breaks on to get them stopped.

Then of course the Crossbow rose its ugly head again, only this time it was on the National level. PBS sent out an alert which read, “That while quiet in 1995 the Pro Crossbow folks have sent

out a flurry of legislative moves to legalize the crossbow in one form or another in 1996. Two critical states New York and Indiana recently passed an act which permits severely disabled sportsman to use the crossbow. Now there is a strong legislative attempt to broaden the definition of “physically disabled” to include any sportsman over the age of 65.” The PBS National Anti-Crossbow Committee was formed in 1986 and has members all across the country to help fight the crossbow threat.

A few issues back I brought up the Camp Make A Dream and the Bows Monty Moravec donated to their Archery project. Some of the bows were of a bit more draw weight than most of the campers could handle. With this in mind Tom “Doc” Wandrych went to check out the issues with the bows. Several other groups got wind of the situation. MBA, TBM the 5 Valley Archery Club all rounded up a few bows that the campers could handle safely. Arrangements were made for representatives to all meet up with Doc at the Camp Make A Dream in Gold Creek Montana to set up the archery program and help the campers with the shooting. Charlie Whitfield, Curtis Horton, Wayne Benson, Deno Fanelli and Paul Roush and others showed up to help with the archery range and the shooting instructions.

So I’ll end with this for now. I have a few new ideas to keep this column interesting, like finding tidbits of information, like seeing the latest World Record for a nontypical Yellowstone Bull Elk shot by Casey Brooks with his bow on News Years Eve 2024 in Washington with his bow. As it turns out the bull is also the Pope and Young and the Boone and Crocket world record. One more thing, Big Horn Sheep, another World Record 209 1/8 harvested in 2018 by Clayton D. Miller in South Dakota. Taken with his bow is also the Boone and Crocket and Pope and Young World Record. Two of the three most prestigious Records, White Tails being the third, were harvested with archery equipment, cool for us.

So, until next issue, look back into some history so as not to repeat to many mistakes. Till Later Marlon Clapham Historian (sorta)

MEMBER GALLERY

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