Another month has passed and I haven't heard from very many people. It is fall in Montana, the fires have slowed down, and hunting seasons have begun. I have heard of a few nice elk being taken with bows, some sheep and mountain goat harvests, and guys who are still hunting coon with their hounds.

MSHA President Sanford Shrout was lucky enough to draw a sheep tag this year, and, on September 21st, he harvested a really nice ram.

Member Eric Duke of Billings drew a mountain goat tag and filled that tag on Sept. 27th. These two guys have enjoyed a nice success rate for this year.

Cody Lechleitner, a member who now lives in the Seattle area, had offered family members of Ginger & Mike a room to stay at his house while Mike was in the Seattle hospital. Unfortunately, Cody learned of their need just when Mike was being released to come home. Thanks, Cody, for your generosity! Also unfortunately, I have not talked to Ginger in quite awhile. I hear through the grapevine that they continue to improve.

This lion that Cody and Jim Lechleitner treed last year certainly shows just how scared it was of Rusher and Boot treeing below.

Field Trials for next year will be our traditional times - the first weekend in May, the first weekend in June, and the third weekend in August. May 1 & 2, 2004, near Potomac, Montana; June 5 & 6, 2004, near White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and August 21 & 22, 2004 - location unknown at this time.

We again want to thank the landowners that have supported us and allowed us to hold our field trials on their properties. Without landowner support, we could not have the events in places that provide the opportunity to run drags.

Send me stories and photos this winter and I'll get them in the articles. Happy hunting!