Summer 2011 Review

Summer 2011 Was Full of Events

It's hard to believe the summer has already come and gone.  Although it seemed short, this has been one of the best summers at UCO. 

We had a slow start due to an abnormally rainy spring that kept the river high, fast, and murky until mid-July.  Once the river cleared up, though, the fishing was never better.  I can't remember catching so many fish!  With such great fishing, we held a fly fishing clinic.  Most of the fly fishing guides from last year here were here again;  Rocco, Dusty, Val, and Lance.  We also welcomed two new guides, Mitch and Bill, who fit right in with the crew.  As we approach September, we are looking forward to good water, hungry fish, and more great dry fly fishing.  

 Although the fishing was slow this spring, we still stayed plenty busy until the river cleared.  We kicked off the season with our week-long cattle drive that allows a glimpse of the everyday life of the Montana cowboy.  Without missing a beat, we jumped right into a fun-filled and educational horse clinic with Chris Bohenek "Horsemanship instructor" and Amy Grice "Equine Veterinarian".  We then hosted the U.S. Junior Fly Fishing Team in preparation to their trip to Italy for the World Championship's.  There was also a fundraiser for the Virginia City library held at the ranch.

As we moved into August, an event that was particularly special to me was right around the corner, my daughter's wedding.  After a beautiful ceremony and a few days of recuperation, we had a very special young lady, Megan Harmon, and family join us for a week with the Catch-A-Dream Foundation through The Big Hearts Under The Big Sky.  

We feel a change in the air temperatures as we start our fall season.  September offers some remarkable fishing along with our archery season.  We will start September hosting two weeks of fly fishing trips with Delamere and Hopkins a sporting good store in Cincinnati, OH.  Than a remarkable week with Jim Downes and Jeff Wagner hosting a Bamboo Concave at the ranch.   And mixed in with all this will be the thrill of hearing bull elk bugling, leaves changing colors and the excitement of our archery hunters sharing their stories of the day.  

From the Inside to the Outside of the Horse - July 12 - 16, 2011

UCO will host a horse clinic this summer with two top clinicians - Chris Bohenek "Core Balance" Horsemanship and Dr. Amy L. Grice "Equine Veterinarian"

This is an excellent clinic for those that are looking to enhance their horsemanship and riding abilities. This clinic is set up for you to experience arena and back country riding and presentations.  The Clinic is set up for hands-on personal care so you feel free to learn all you can and get your questions answered.  Clinic limited to 12 riders.

You will learn about:

• ·         Understanding of Horse/Human relationship
• ·         When to call the Vet/ Emergency First-Aid
• ·         Balance & Stability – “Core Balance”
• ·         Lameness –Diagnosis & Treatment
• ·         Horsemanship feel & timing
• ·         Routine Health maintenance
• ·         Low stress cowman/horseman-ship
• ·         Conformation
• ·         Helping your horse find the “release” not the “fear”
• ·         Nutrition & Feeding
• ·         Proper Positioning on the cow
• ·         Older Horse Care
• ·         Establishing patience for both the horse & rider

Techniques that work and much, much more   

To learn more about Chris: http://bohenekhorsemanship.com/   

To learn more about Dr. Grice http://www.rhinebeckequine.com/amy.html

Cost: $850.00 per person (you supply your own horse) This package includes the cost of the four and ½ day clinic, lodging for four nights, breakfast, lunch and dinner and boarding for your horse.

Cost: $1450.00 per person (UCO providing horse) This package includes the cost of the four and ½ day clinic, lodging for five nights, breakfast, lunch and dinner and use of a UCO horse. 

For more booking information and on the types of clothing that you will need or any other questions you might have on the trip contact Donna McDonald at: 1-800-735-3973 or (406) 842-5884 

July 4th – Montana Style:

Snow is still falling, rivers are running high, but our grass is turning green and it gets us all excited to start our summer season.  We will have some clients in June it is a fantastic time for beautiful horseback riding.   However the first of July is really when the summers kick off is for us at UCO.  The rivers will be fishable, more sunshine, lots of wildflowers and the celebration of July 4^th.     July 4^th is a special celebration for all of us to celebrate the freedom we enjoy.  Part of the UCO Celebration is to join our guest on the historic Main Street of Ennis for the 4th of July Parade which has been a regular event since 1935.  This year’s July 4^th  Parade Theme is “Let Freedom Ring”.  Than at 2pm it’s Rodeo time!   Ennis offers one of the best Rodeos in Montana.  Enjoy the NRA sanctioned rodeo featuring the top cowboys and cowgirls from the northwest in both rough stock and timed events. As a follow up to the Ennis Rodeo, this spectacular fireworks show will occur on the hill north of Virginia City.

Other UCO and Local July 4^th activities/ many activities occur all summer long.

• The Ennis 4th of July Parade starts at 10am
• Rodeo at 2 pm,
• UCO BBQ
• Fire Works at dusk in Virginia City.
• Living History Weekend in Nevada City – Living History interpreters will bring the past to life!
• Enjoy an old fashion fourth with a historic Independence Day Celebration in Nevada City.  Challenge family and friends in a contest such as pie eating, watermelon seed spitting, and gunny sack races.
• Try your luck at stilt walking, hoops and sticks, a spelling bee, an arithmetic bee, tug of war, and horseshoe pitching.
• VC Stagecoach Tour/ Gold Panning/ 1941 Fire Engine Tour / Live Music Events
• Virginia City Players at the Opera House – Nightly authentic 19^th century melodrama
• There are lots of fun small-town happenings in Ennis, Virginia City and Nevada City all summer long.

Thank you for a great 2010 season!

Upper Canyon Outfitters had one of its most successful seasons in years!  The summer season began with plenty of rain in June, making for a green and rewarding fishing season through September.  Large spawning Brown Trout could be seen on the ends of our client’s lines all September.  The horseback rides and views from the mountain tops were inspiring to say the least with the country side full of blossoming flowers and flourishing greenery for the abundant wildlife in the Ruby Valley. 

It wouldn’t be a UCO Summer without our annual client-engaged cattle drives.  A number of our riders had been on previous cattle drives, making for excellent ranch hands.  I have a feeling I could convince them to quit their day jobs for the cowboy life.

Because of the wet season many elk were able to avoid detection by staying in the deep timber where some of the greenest clover grew, making for a difficult archery season.  However, even with the tough conditions a few of our hunters were able to harvest those elusive elk.

Rifle season was more successful.  The UCO staff put in extra scouting hours during archery to locate the hot hunting locations, which I knew paid off nicely within the first week of rifle season when all of our guided hunters had prospects at elk.   Due to the wet season of 2010, the green grass produced large and healthy elk herds.  When combined with the heavy snow we received midway through the season, the weather drew the herds lower, making for successful hunting experiences.

After 25 years of guiding hunters I have learned that a good sportsman can help in making their own hunt a success with the right attitude and physically preparing for the demands of the sport.  This year’s success can be credited to not only perfect hunting conditions but also that many of our hunters prepared before they arrived in Montana.

One very exciting story from UCO this hunting season is the editor and staff of Outdoor Life joined us for a week, filming and writing about their adventures.  You can locate their experience at this link: http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/big-game/elk/2010/11/montana-grand-slam-day-1

Thank you to all who made 2010 such a wonderful and fulfilling year.  There is much I can be thankful for at this time of year; keeping people in touch with nature, helping create memorable vacation experiences, and the joys of living with no cell phone reception.  But I am most thankful for wonderful clients who quickly become friends.

Happy Holidays and wish you all the very best in the New Year!