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What's Not To Lek? 2018
Close out of the sage grouse project has left an empty spot in the spring schedule. Got the call to tag along on a trip to check out some sharptail leks for a potential upcoming study. Had just enough time to do a couple loads of laundry, get some groceries, gas up the truck, reload the trailer and head back across the divide. Driving the Deuce
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Flathead still looking good but warmer weather ahead will change that
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Glacier's Southern exposure
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Bob's Eastern flank
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Touchdown
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Base camp established
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Campground crapper; this could be a problem. I donate a few rolls to the cause
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Poking around a bit until the rest of the crew arrives
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Next morning, on to another site. Pay dirt; a prairie pick-up bar. Birds are vocal and active; 23 total, including 3 hens. Apologies for pic quality; terrain and land ownership preclude any more favorable camera angles, they're in that stubble just beyond the puddle
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A curious curlew seems more interested in the dance moves than the hen standing to the right
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Last night out
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Closing up camp the next morning. Mushroom season; proximity to ICBM sites always increases pucker factor but it's just the last few days of open burn.
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Good grub
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Pronghorns
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Heading back to the trees; cue the Immigrant Song
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The last few warm days have added a good bit of color; 5 rafts were putting in at Moccasin Creek for an adrenaline rush
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Dropping in to Stumptown; I already miss the snipe winnowing
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Regards,
Scott
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Thanks for the pictures, Scott.
Fished the Flathead once. Brother in law bought a house out there some time ago. Just sold it this year. Probably couldn't make that drive again. Enjoyed every minute of it though.
George
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Thanks for taking us along on the trip. God was sure creative with all of the varied terrain and wildlife.
xfishcop Dick
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Thank you for taking us with you! What a glorious country! A much needed trip for me, by the way!! :grin: