Montana Woods N Water June 2016 Print Edition | Page 3

Publisher’s Notes Raf Viniard ~ Publisher Where did May go? We are almost halfway through June depending on when you read this. As I sit and type this, my outside thermometer is showing 93 degrees...really...it is way too early for these kinds of temps. This summer could be a hot and dry one...pray for plenty of rain. Our fire fighters would appreciate the advanced prayers. Huckleberries will probably be early this year so start planning. This issue is overloaded like last month’s. If I had the advertising revenue I know I would have 48-60 pages of content every month. When I go around to all of NW Montana distribution sites each month to restock the new issue, I am lucky to pickup maybe a 100 of the previous months publications. We could easily put out 10K each month. Thanks to all our followers for making us so popular. I would love to start a subscription service but I just don’t trust this economy any further than I can throw it. A high five to our advertisers for making this publication possible. Please support our advertisers and tell them thanks for advertising. Time to put away the long sleeve shirts, grab the fishing and camping gear. Get rested up for archery season which is only about 85 days away as of this writing. Get those game cameras out and let them do the scouting for you. Water sources maybe very critical again this year. Father’s Day is this month along with Flag Day so treat your Dad to something fun and fly Old Glory proudly. The primary elections are behind us...thank goodness! But July 4th is right around the corner. Check local ordinances before going out and purchasing fireworks. So what do you think about our cover photo this month? I had so much fun doing this cover. The Epperson family was such a joy to be around. I have done a few crazy things trying to get a cover photo and for this one I had to wade out into the Thompson River up to my knees. Wow...that water was a little cool. With that many kids and fishing poles flopping around I felt if I slipped out in the river they would snag me out if needed. I want to thank Zack & Mary Epperson of Trout Creek, MT and their seven beautiful kids for their time and kindness. Their kids were so polite, courteous and well mannered...they even offered so share their snacks with me. When I spoke and interacted with their family, there is no doubt they are a God fearing family and have been very blessed. Grandma Yvonne Epperson of Thompson Falls and Zack’s brother Zarach was also present during the photo shoot. Zarach did you get to finish that nap? Guest Writers This Month: Nathan Albertson, page 6, Sharing Your Passion For The Outdoors Alexis Helterline, Page 11, Who’s The Turkey Now? Michael & Carl Freeman, Page 25/26, Pilgrim/The Bet Paula Snyder RDH, Page 22, Are You Prepared For A Toothache On The Trail What’s Inside Hunting 2 Trapping 4 Shooting Sports 5 The Next Generation 6 Montana Dan 11 Sportsman’s Meditation 13 Beards & Bears 14 Anglers & Antlers 15 Conservation Events 16 Tony Rebo Unleashed 18 Fly Fishing 20 Outdoor Meds 22 Reflections Of The Hunt 25 Outdoor Tech 26 Father’s Day Tribute 27 Mountain Memories 28 More Pics 32 Outdoor Vet 36 Seen On Blog Only www.montanawoodsnwater.com/Blog Old Vets Tribute to Dad Staff Publisher/Editor/Layout/Sales: Raf - 406-407-0612 Photographer Robin Hao Pro Staff Writers This Month: Chuck Stranahan Pastor Jim Sinclair Dan Helterline Tony Rebo Carol Cady Editorial Policy: Montana Woods N Water (MWW) reserves the right to refuse to publish any form of content that does not include the author’s name, complete mailing address, and/or valid phone number or e-mail address. Anonymous submissions will not be Front Cover Photo: Zack Epperson and his seven kids fishing on the Thompson River. Left to addressed or published. MWW reserves right front row - Bethany age 9, Henry age 6, Katie age 3, Carrie age 4, Diana age 8 and Hawkins the right not to publish anything we feel is age 6. Back row: Zack and baby Jackie. Happy Father’s Day Zack! The Eppersons live in Trout not in good taste or appropriate. All Creek, Montana. content, material and graphics designed by Montana Woods N Water are copyrighted. To Contact Us: Montana Woods N Water 171 Clark Creek Loop Plains, Montana 59859 406-407-0612 Email: [email protected] www.montanawoodsnwater.com