http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&disp=comments en-US hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=you_should_have_seen_it_in_color_montana&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c110 2010-09-26T11:53:04Z Tom Lambdin [Visitor] JB, They called it a "hunt of a lifetime", i would rather word as my FIRST hunt of a lifetime with Dome mountain. Thank you and your staff for a wonderful time and many memories in elk country. " see you on the mountain" Tom They called it a "hunt of a lifetime", i would rather word as my FIRST hunt of a lifetime with Dome mountain. Thank you and your staff for a wonderful time and many memories in elk country. " see you on the mountain"
Tom]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=last_minute_openings_2010_elk_season&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c86 2010-03-10T04:58:11Z kev [Visitor] hey JB, Its Kev (aka Flash!). This is a cool blog, I definetly would like to book a hunt some day. Hopefully, this summer I plan to make my way back through P-valley. Tell Lennae, Moose, and Basil I say hello. I've been working and fishing in Florida for the past few years. Next week I am starting a job in the Everglades- An airboat can't be that much different than a drift boat!? Hope all is well. Sincerly, Kevin Its Kev (aka Flash!). This is a cool blog, I definetly would like to book a hunt some day. Hopefully, this summer I plan to make my way back through P-valley. Tell Lennae, Moose, and Basil I say hello. I've been working and fishing in Florida for the past few years. Next week I am starting a job in the Everglades- An airboat can't be that much different than a drift boat!? Hope all is well.
Sincerly,
Kevin ]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=montana_elk_hunting_report_jb_s_journal&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c82 2010-02-28T16:12:57Z Johanne Arechiga [Visitor] Substantially, the post is actually the best on this valuable topic. I agree with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your incoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be enough, for the great lucidity in your writing. I will directly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Good work and much success in your business endeavors! http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=winter_in_big_sky_country&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c80 2010-02-05T00:12:42Z admin [Member] THE CHICKEN...THE CHICKEN...THE CHICKEN...don't give up too many secrets! http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=winter_in_big_sky_country&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c79 2010-02-05T00:08:44Z admin [Member] Greetings Barry, It's always great to hear from fishing pals, especially as the river taunts me from my office window! The TU article is awesome and the stretch of river they're talking about is all on the Gallatin National Forest, so there are rarely any crowds and wanna-be yuppie guides, just mostly good ol' boys. It's one of my personal favorite stretches for incredible dry fly fishing. Plenty of top water action and there's always some big fish if you know where to look. The Maddy is a good bet, but can get pretty busy. I could also suggest some good camp sites right on the water not far from the West Fork of the Madison. I've camped and fished there quite a bit. The Gallatin is a great walk and wade river-matter of fact, I am headed over there tomorrow, so watch for the report. Yellowstone...well, how can you go wrong with 10,000 miles of trout water? Campgrounds within in the park will be busy and crowded with tourons, but you're only 45 minutes from prime water if you camp at Carbella, the Canyon, etc., Keep me posted. See You on the Water. Jim "JB" Klyap, Outfitter #7843 It's always great to hear from fishing pals, especially as the river taunts me from my office window! The TU article is awesome and the stretch of river they're talking about is all on the Gallatin National Forest, so there are rarely any crowds and wanna-be yuppie guides, just mostly good ol' boys. It's one of my personal favorite stretches for incredible dry fly fishing. Plenty of top water action and there's always some big fish if you know where to look.

The Maddy is a good bet, but can get pretty busy. I could also suggest some good camp sites right on the water not far from the West Fork of the Madison. I've camped and fished there quite a bit. The Gallatin is a great walk and wade river-matter of fact, I am headed over there tomorrow, so watch for the report.

Yellowstone...well, how can you go wrong with 10,000 miles of trout water? Campgrounds within in the park will be busy and crowded with tourons, but you're only 45 minutes from prime water if you camp at Carbella, the Canyon, etc.,

Keep me posted. See You on the Water.
Jim "JB" Klyap, Outfitter #7843
]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=winter_in_big_sky_country&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c78 2010-02-04T23:55:58Z Barry [Visitor] Hi Jim, Just received your great newsletter. I guess winter is starting to recede and trout fever is taking over with renewed dreams for me. Just sent in my membership to Trout Unlimited and received my Fly Fishing magazine and get all hyped up again. It has an article on Epic Hatches of Montana’s Paradise Valley –and the Stone, a good read. It seems that the described Salmonfly hatch would be a good time for me to get up there as my son is getting married the first of May “Caddis hatch” time and the “runoff” seems risky for June. I’m still at the RV camping stage and hoping my brother will join me. He had his 81 year old knee “rebuilt” so should be good to go. My first thoughts on a trip plan is to camp around West Yellowstone for the first stop and float the Madison one day and check out the Gallatin area maybe two days. Camp grounds seem to be all over the place. Then go around north and up the Stone to you and maybe add some “secret exciting mountain gin clear streams or freestones” (your great old idea) and then give Yelly NP some time. A magazine quote: - “Where to float - The upper Yellowstone from Gardiner to Joe Brown is packed with native cutthroat”. I’ll be looking for your suggestions, but I’ll still have to play it by ear and see what happens timing wise, to connect with you or your guides. That Carbella stop still looks good, but as you said the Stone can be a tough river with all the natural fluctuations. You might, however, be able to talk me into floating the Stone for a 28 inch brown like in the magazine. Ha. I’ll be looking at the possibility of the end of June and first of July, a 2-3 week trip. Since I hate taking risks and not being familiar with Montana, I’ll have to assume an overall “look see check it out exposure” for the areas. Again I’m open to any suggestions, in timing and places not to miss. Wish I could hunt Mulies with you. I really like your pictures and hunting adventures, but I’ll have to stick with trout with my being out of shape attitude, but that’s a work in progress. Old PSU Barry Just received your great newsletter. I guess winter is starting to recede and trout fever is taking over with renewed dreams for me. Just sent in my membership to Trout Unlimited and received my Fly Fishing magazine and get all hyped up again. It has an article on Epic Hatches of Montana’s Paradise Valley –and the Stone, a good read. It seems that the described Salmonfly hatch would be a good time for me to get up there as my son is getting married the first of May “Caddis hatch” time and the “runoff” seems risky for June. I’m still at the RV camping stage and hoping my brother will join me. He had his 81 year old knee “rebuilt” so should be good to go.
My first thoughts on a trip plan is to camp around West Yellowstone for the first stop and float the Madison one day and check out the Gallatin area maybe two days. Camp grounds seem to be all over the place. Then go around north and up the Stone to you and maybe add some “secret exciting mountain gin clear streams or freestones” (your great old idea) and then give Yelly NP some time.
A magazine quote: - “Where to float - The upper Yellowstone from Gardiner to Joe Brown is packed with native cutthroat”. I’ll be looking for your suggestions, but I’ll still have to play it by ear and see what happens timing wise, to connect with you or your guides. That Carbella stop still looks good, but as you said the Stone can be a tough river with all the natural fluctuations. You might, however, be able to talk me into floating the Stone for a 28 inch brown like in the magazine. Ha. I’ll be looking at the possibility of the end of June and first of July, a 2-3 week trip. Since I hate taking risks and not being familiar with Montana, I’ll have to assume an overall “look see check it out exposure” for the areas. Again I’m open to any suggestions, in timing and places not to miss.
Wish I could hunt Mulies with you. I really like your pictures and hunting adventures, but I’ll have to stick with trout with my being out of shape attitude, but that’s a work in progress.
Old PSU Barry
]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=winter_in_big_sky_country&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c76 2010-02-04T14:19:06Z Dylan Roberts [Visitor] Just thinkin back to that April when the "Chicken" stuck hogs on every ten casts or so.Hope everyone is having a great new year. Your friend, Dylan Dylan]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=montana_elk_hunting_report_jb_s_journal&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c74 2010-01-08T15:32:25Z John [Visitor] I love the site i get all my info off it thankss u soo much http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=title_3&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c71 2009-11-24T02:27:19Z Matt [Visitor] Hey jim, Nice job on the website, blog and everything else. Already thinking about next year. Thanks Looks like Darcy finally grew a set.....??? of antlers. Nice job on the website, blog and everything else. Already thinking about next year. Thanks
Looks like Darcy finally grew a set.....??? of antlers.]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=montana_fly_fishing_report_high_hopes_an&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c62 2009-03-31T18:02:14Z Barry [Visitor] OK Blog- Hi Jim, (old PSU) I’ve read over our emails of last year and I’m still kicking and feel that spring trout fever once again. After trying to save a few bucks last year by going to Colorado from AZ – one day drive instead of the three days to MT, I found going it alone for trout gets risky with weather and conditions. After 5 nights of rain, all the rivers I had hope to fish, were nothing but mud or on private property. My son and I followed his buddy to see his father in Pagosa Springs (San Juan R.) with some local knowledge, but bad conditions overruled. I ended up in the high country Nat Forests with fast brushy streams where casting and wading was impossible. I did go to the Frying Pan but found no place to “park” (people all over the place). I’m ready for Montana with my RV, but again think of the lack of guarantees in weather and conditions for good fishing. My favorite stops are along a stream in the wild or at Nat Forest campgrounds and don’t need the “comfortable” sites as mentioned before. Fish all day and sit by an evening campfire is enough for me. I’m going to plan a trip with guided floats on the Madison and Yellowstone and then check out the Gallatin and the Park. These appear to be the easiest, as my old back is not as strong as it used to be for hiking. I still will be trying a trip on the fly as of now, because scheduling is questionable. I see on the map there are campgrounds along these rivers so if these are available, I’ll try them and try to fit in your schedule, once I realize the dates. My biggest problem is the cost for one and could use a “buddy” to add more trips. (No, not my son, he bought a CO license and fly fished for about an hour- no patience when no fish - has other interests). Well, if the stock market comes back things might be better?? I’m going to take you up on your quote from last year -- “Once you get to the Carbella area campground then we can plug in some floats and walk and wades on the waters I really specialize in. We can actually just put right in there at Carbella if you like, as long as we arrange all this prior to your arrival and sort of plan it day by day. I would suggest a few days just fishing with us, you could do it consecutively or every other day, etc., not a problem.” I assume July is the best timing for less risk, but then how bout the number of other visitors? I read about May /June being run off time so fishing gets tougher. My timing is totally flexible, so if you have any suggestions about anything it would be appreciated. I’m all set on gear except local flies I’ll get from you. I thought about tying some flies but patience is a bit low, so maybe I’ll carve out a few F2 flatfish copies for when flies don’t work. It was my old favorite standby in PA and VA, and worked in CO. I am down to my last one, but found one on ebay for $5. Well it is made of natural wood. Oh well. Hope you had a successful winter with all those Elk and I’ll see you this year for some Brownys. Catch a goodun, Barry Hi Jim, (old PSU)
I’ve read over our emails of last year and I’m still kicking and feel that spring trout fever once again. After trying to save a few bucks last year by going to Colorado from AZ – one day drive instead of the three days to MT, I found going it alone for trout gets risky with weather and conditions. After 5 nights of rain, all the rivers I had hope to fish, were nothing but mud or on private property. My son and I followed his buddy to see his father in Pagosa Springs (San Juan R.) with some local knowledge, but bad conditions overruled. I ended up in the high country Nat Forests with fast brushy streams where casting and wading was impossible. I did go to the Frying Pan but found no place to “park” (people all over the place).

I’m ready for Montana with my RV, but again think of the lack of guarantees in weather and conditions for good fishing. My favorite stops are along a stream in the wild or at Nat Forest campgrounds and don’t need the “comfortable” sites as mentioned before. Fish all day and sit by an evening campfire is enough for me.

I’m going to plan a trip with guided floats on the Madison and Yellowstone and then check out the Gallatin and the Park. These appear to be the easiest, as my old back is not as strong as it used to be for hiking. I still will be trying a trip on the fly as of now, because scheduling is questionable. I see on the map there are campgrounds along these rivers so if these are available, I’ll try them and try to fit in your schedule, once I realize the dates. My biggest problem is the cost for one and could use a “buddy” to add more trips. (No, not my son, he bought a CO license and fly fished for about an hour- no patience when no fish - has other interests). Well, if the stock market comes back things might be better??

I’m going to take you up on your quote from last year -- “Once you get to the Carbella area campground then we can plug in some floats and walk and wades on the waters I really specialize in. We can actually just put right in there at Carbella if you like, as long as we arrange all this prior to your arrival and sort of plan it day by day. I would suggest a few days just fishing with us, you could do it consecutively or every other day, etc., not a problem.”

I assume July is the best timing for less risk, but then how bout the number of other visitors? I read about May /June being run off time so fishing gets tougher. My timing is totally flexible, so if you have any suggestions about anything it would be appreciated. I’m all set on gear except local flies I’ll get from you. I thought about tying some flies but patience is a bit low, so maybe I’ll carve out a few F2 flatfish copies for when flies don’t work. It was my old favorite standby in PA and VA, and worked in CO. I am down to my last one, but found one on ebay for $5. Well it is made of natural wood. Oh well.

Hope you had a successful winter with all those Elk and I’ll see you this year for some Brownys.

Catch a goodun,
Barry
]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=wolves_delisted_states_to_take_over_mana&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c59 2009-03-10T02:03:46Z Toby Bridges [Visitor] Wolves are killing machines, the end product of a million years of evolution. Killing is what they do, as much for pleasure as to sustain life. The manner in which our federal government has provided protection for wolves in the Northern Rockies has resulted in wolves that are not all that afraid of humans. Recently, one pack killed a cougar within 1/4-mile of Sun Valley, ID city limits...and ate nothing. They were simply eliminating competition for available deer and elk. Hundreds of millions of public dollars have been wasted on this fiasco, and due to the impact wolves are making on other wildlife popualtions, many sportsmen are now calling for the complete elimination of the wolf - just like our forefathers did a hundred years ago...for the same reason. Wolves cannot live in harmony with humans, their pets, livestock, or other wildlife. Let's not drag our feet on this managment. Toby Bridges LOBO WATCH
The manner in which our federal government has provided protection for wolves in the Northern Rockies has resulted in wolves that are not all that afraid of humans. Recently, one pack killed a cougar within 1/4-mile of Sun Valley, ID city limits...and ate nothing. They were simply eliminating competition for available deer and elk.

Hundreds of millions of public dollars have been wasted on this fiasco, and due to the impact wolves are making on other wildlife popualtions, many sportsmen are now calling for the complete elimination of the wolf - just like our forefathers did a hundred years ago...for the same reason. Wolves cannot live in harmony with humans, their pets, livestock, or other wildlife.

Let's not drag our feet on this managment.

Toby Bridges
LOBO WATCH

]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_bison_hb_253&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c57 2009-02-16T17:35:40Z admin [Member] Alex, Thank you for writing and sharing your observations. It's important to know that we are not alone in this continued battle to win the west. Both elk and bison serve the same purpose in grazing the land and stepping down the seed, the only difference is, land owners don't have to "fence them out". The Brucellosis issue has become just another excuse for control of public lands and wildlife. Recognized science professionals agree that this is a disease that likely cannot be controlled in wildlife. The DOL simply wants more land, more grass. Given the chance, Bison will become wild and adapt, which of course will offer a much more "fair chase" hunt. The elk of Yellowstone often pose for photos and show little fear of humans, but put them on the side of Dome Mountain and try to drive up next to them and take a photo. Buffalo/Bison deserve this same respect and opportunity. Thank you for writing and sharing your observations. It's important to know that we are not alone in this continued battle to win the west. Both elk and bison serve the same purpose in grazing the land and stepping down the seed, the only difference is, land owners don't have to "fence them out".

The Brucellosis issue has become just another excuse for control of public lands and wildlife. Recognized science professionals agree that this is a disease that likely cannot be controlled in wildlife. The DOL simply wants more land, more grass.

Given the chance, Bison will become wild and adapt, which of course will offer a much more "fair chase" hunt. The elk of Yellowstone often pose for photos and show little fear of humans, but put them on the side of Dome Mountain and try to drive up next to them and take a photo. Buffalo/Bison deserve this same respect and opportunity. ]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_bison_hb_253&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c56 2009-02-13T13:57:34Z Alex Russell [Visitor] Jim, Thanks for starting this. I think it is key, as you pointed out, to remind the public and fellow big game hunters that hunting on lands ruined by livestock grazing is not much of a hunt. Also, thanks for pointing out the lack of care which many Montana livestock producers and the DOL take when dealing with brucellosis. The loss of the state's status was easily avoidable if prudent managemment practices were followed. Alex Russell
Thanks for starting this. I think it is key, as you pointed out, to remind the public and fellow big game hunters that hunting on lands ruined by livestock grazing is not much of a hunt. Also, thanks for pointing out the lack of care which many Montana livestock producers and the DOL take when dealing with brucellosis. The loss of the state's status was easily avoidable if prudent managemment practices were followed.

Alex Russell]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon__1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c50 2008-08-12T22:07:23Z Capt Coy Theobalt [Visitor] Hey Buddy, Once again, the Fun Ticket was in high gear last week at Dome Mountain. What can I say, you guys are just the best there ever wus. The men from Reel Recovery had their lives touched by other men that care. It don't git no bettern' nat in my book. Our time with you in the river caused some side-splitting, fall off the raft, pee in your waders, swaller yer chew kind of fun as well. Doug will never forget his "lesson" on fly fishing. We laughed all the way back to Denver. Mike had a couple of "awesome" fishing days with a fellow Knucklhead. Keep up the good work, thanks for the meat and wine. Can't wait til next year amigo. Let me know if you want to put together a sailing/fishing trip to Key West this winter. Love and light Capt Coy Once again, the Fun Ticket was in high gear last week at Dome Mountain. What can I say, you guys are just the best there ever wus.
The men from Reel Recovery had their lives touched by other men that care. It don't git no bettern' nat in my book.

Our time with you in the river caused some side-splitting, fall off the raft, pee in your waders, swaller yer chew kind of fun as well.

Doug will never forget his "lesson" on fly fishing. We laughed all the way back to Denver.

Mike had a couple of "awesome" fishing days with a fellow Knucklhead. Keep up the good work, thanks for the meat and wine.

Can't wait til next year amigo. Let me know if you want to put together a sailing/fishing trip to Key West this winter.

Love and light
Capt Coy]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon__1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c49 2008-07-31T13:45:35Z b.p [Visitor] Hi JB...My buddy Shawn and I locked in our dates for next season before we got off the plane! Your location to Yellowstone Park enabled us to have an excellant time fishing the Gibbon, Fire Hole, Nez Perce where we all caught fish daily....with options like that , a person just can't go wrong staying at Dome Mt. Location, Location, Location......looking forward to fishing the River next year.....HOPPER TIME !!! http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon__1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c48 2008-07-20T02:18:29Z admin [Member] Hi there Beverely! Thanks so much for nailing down your dates before you even got on the plane to leave! Glad you guys had a great trip, and thanks for not giving up too many secrets, you are true fly fisher for life. Shawn sent me some great photos too. The video should be interesting as well! Until next time! Tight Lines! JB
Tight Lines!
JB]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon__1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c47 2008-07-15T19:42:58Z b.p [Visitor] Hey JB...Who's the professional fishing the Madison ? http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon__1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c46 2008-07-15T18:18:11Z admin [Member] Greetings again Barry! Don't ever feel that you take up my time! I enjoy your emails and comments, lets me know I am doing my job. Hang in there and start packing, the river is calling your name. emails and comments, lets me know I am doing my job. Hang in there and start
packing, the river is calling your name.
]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon__1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c45 2008-07-15T17:51:44Z Barry [Visitor] Hi Jim, You sure are a great inspiration. I get enthusiastic with your replies, but also feel guilty taking your time. Must be nice to have an office on the water. I once had an office with a “walky talky” on the slopes and with my day off, once a week, I’d ski at another area in up state NY. You sound a bit familiar with your days off. I guess that shows priorities. Well that 115 deg (dry heat) changed to 80 in a day and brought the monsoon season and a big storm with 2.4” of rain in 45 mins., and left water dripping from a light fixture in my living room by the fireplace. I guess I get overwhelmed with all the things to consider when thinking and planning a trip. It seems to create more worry than it’s worth. All I need to do is “kiss”. Like, just forget the house and pool and pay a service for example, then play it by ear. Feels better already. Thanks for your support and keep the light on for me. You and Yelly are high on my list not to miss. Related to our questions -- How do I tell the mamas from the papas in elk? The papas stick their nose higher in the air (due to their neck muscles from last seasons rack) but they are probably long gone from the mamas by now. And I’ll let the Pratt Dilator Set and the stomach pump slide. I’ll buy a little aquarium fish net for checking the bugs. I did buy a Geirlach book “Good Flies” from mail order but it only has black and white fly sketches, color would help; well at least it shows good designs, but they are still confusing. This fly fishing stuff takes a lot of study and is similar to golf in many ways; you know presentation of the fly and presentation of the ball and being a member of the 20/20 club is like the hole in one club. It’s kind of funny how one can compare the two most “impatience producing” and frustrating yet rewarding “sports”. I’m getting better with the knots and tied the leader to line better than ever. The nail knot works great with the “tie fast” tool that I bought 40 years ago and never used, found instructions on the web. Had a hard time with a ballpoint pen. I also finally found the eye in a #18 Hare’s Ear beadhead and got it tied on a 5x tippet. Now I may need one of those clip on magnifiers. How in the world can a trout see anything smaller than a #20 whizzing by in the current? Oh, and surgical tubing works great for the hemostats and tools, probably for a net also. I have a lot of pieces from the RC sailplane launcher, still good after 20 yrs. I’ll carry the good old tweezers I used on the Apollo (yea, old space program) relay test assembly at one of my jobs, but this time for the little hook handling. HA. Oh well, later. Sorry I get carried away, soon they’ll be wearing little white coats. Barry You sure are a great inspiration. I get enthusiastic with your replies, but also feel guilty taking your time.

Must be nice to have an office on the water. I once had an office with a “walky talky” on the slopes and with my day off, once a week, I’d ski at another area in up state NY. You sound a bit familiar with your days off. I guess that shows priorities.

Well that 115 deg (dry heat) changed to 80 in a day and brought the monsoon season and a big storm with 2.4” of rain in 45 mins., and left water dripping from a light fixture in my living room by the fireplace. I guess I get overwhelmed with all the things to consider when thinking and planning a trip. It seems to create more worry than it’s worth. All I need to do is “kiss”. Like, just forget the house and pool and pay a service for example, then play it by ear. Feels better already. Thanks for your support and keep the light on for me. You and Yelly are high on my list not to miss.

Related to our questions --
How do I tell the mamas from the papas in elk? The papas stick their nose higher in the air (due to their neck muscles from last seasons rack) but they are probably long gone from the mamas by now. And I’ll let the Pratt Dilator Set and the stomach pump slide. I’ll buy a little aquarium fish net for checking the bugs.

I did buy a Geirlach book “Good Flies” from mail order but it only has black and white fly sketches, color would help; well at least it shows good designs, but they are still confusing. This fly fishing stuff takes a lot of study and is similar to golf in many ways; you know presentation of the fly and presentation of the ball and being a member of the 20/20 club is like the hole in one club. It’s kind of funny how one can compare the two most “impatience producing” and frustrating yet rewarding “sports”.

I’m getting better with the knots and tied the leader to line better than ever. The nail knot works great with the “tie fast” tool that I bought 40 years ago and never used, found instructions on the web. Had a hard time with a ballpoint pen. I also finally found the eye in a #18 Hare’s Ear beadhead and got it tied on a 5x tippet. Now I may need one of those clip on magnifiers. How in the world can a trout see anything smaller than a #20 whizzing by in the current?
Oh, and surgical tubing works great for the hemostats and tools, probably for a net also. I have a lot of pieces from the RC sailplane launcher, still good after 20 yrs. I’ll carry the good old tweezers I used on the Apollo (yea, old space program) relay test assembly at one of my jobs, but this time for the little hook handling. HA. Oh well, later.
Sorry I get carried away, soon they’ll be wearing little white coats.

Barry
]]> http://domemountainranch.com/montana-elk-hunting-blog/index.php?blog=1&title=yellowstone_river_fishing_report_salmon_&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c44 2008-07-15T03:02:19Z admin [Member] About them elk...is this a scientific theory about "how high they hold their heads"?