It’s time to give thanks. Every Thanksgiving I like to look back on this past year’s outdoor activities and share with you a few places, people and activities that I have been thankful to be a part of or had the opportunity to share with you on our website montanaoutdoor.com and statewide Montana Outdoor Radio Show. It was a fun year for me and I hope it was for you.

First, I would like to give thanks to all the parents who are sharing the tradition of hunting and fishing heritage into your children. My buddy John Peterson from H and H meats loves to highlight 12 to 15 year kids with a name shout out on our local Friday morning show, Hunters Breakfast and for good reason. Every Friday morning on KGVO from 8-9am on the show we have a roll call of successful hunters that have brought their game in to H and H Meats and whenever a young hunter makes that list Peterson along with everyone else in on the show makes a special acknowledgement of the youngster. Our special hunting heritage will continue thanks to all the parents who spend the time, money and the patience to get your kids started in the right direction. And As an added bonus I can tell you from first- hand experience it is great to have help from a pair of young legs when you have to haul an elk a couple miles to your truck.

The abundance of water this past year was welcome by river and boat anglers. Much of the state had adequate moisture and when we experience years like this everything benefits. Less fires, better fishing, green grass into the late summer and early fall for our wildlife as they prepare for the winter, and of course more water in our reservoirs for bait fish so our trout, northern pike, bass, salmon , and walleye have forage. More wildlife and fish means more opportunities for us.

I would like to give thanks to all my fishing and hunting partners this past year. The older I get the more I realize that I am out in the outdoors to enjoy the journey not neccesarily the end result. The good company and friendships that I have made far outweigh the largest fish I have ever caught or biggest elk I have every shot. It always fun to catch a fish or to harvest an animal but spending time in the Montana Outdoors with friends and family is what it really is all about. I am thankful that I am able to do just that.

I began bow hunting about 5 years back. I always wanted to shoot a bow but never thought I had the time until well into my 50’s. I wish I hadn’t taken so long but I am thankful that I finally started. The bow hunting experience is special as it gets you so close to the game you are hunting. I know it is quite a thrill for any outdoor person and a fun sport to practice too!

Finally I would love to give thanks to my lucky green paid hunting shirt this year. I began to wear my lucky shirt the Monday after opening weekend and went on four consecutive hunting trips where at least one in my hunting party shot an elk, all the while wearing my shirt. If you would like to view the lucky shirt that I am thankful for then log onto montanaoutdoor.com and have yourself a happy Thanksgiving!

(Written by the Captain)