Upland Float Trip

SOMETIMES THESE KIDS FISH

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The Mind Of The Trout

10 YEARS SINCE PUBLICATION

Real Knowledge

is it the fish or the bug ?

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.. It's interesting to listen to fly fishers explain the behavior of trout in terms of fly selection, weather, time of day, current observed hatch, current not-observed hatch, depth of water, color of water, temperature of water, cloud cover, sunshine, and an additional bucket full of factors external to the fish that they are trying to catch.

.. "It's the wrong size fly," "It's the wrong fly pattern," "He spooked because of my pink shirt," "The sun is out so we won't catch the big ones," and dozens of other seemingly rational reasons for failure. The same can be said for the reasons for successes. Most interesting indeed.
.. Fly fishers pretend to know what makes a trout behave by referring to everything but the trout. Perhaps they want to fail. Perhaps they think that knowing what is in the mind of a trout would make things too easy in the catching department.
.. Indeed, catching has been so easy over the last few days that we've actually become bored with the fishing. We grabbed and re-read this book by Thomas C. Grubb, Jr. just to see if we could figure out what those dozens and dozens of trout could have been thinking.
.. Cognitive ecology integrates what we know about the trout brain with, trout sensory functions, trout perceptions, trout learning, and trout memory, within an environmental, social, and psychological context, to arrive at what we know about the trout decision making process.

.. It's disappointing for many fly fishers to learn that their precious fly patterns are only a very minuscule part of the decision process that goes on within the mind of the feeding trout.
.. Please note that the mind of the trout is not the brain of the trout. Keeping our attention on this is useful when dealing with fish and humans, as well.
.. Right now, on the lowland Madison River, the thinking trout is eating a variety of lures, and flies, and bait. The un-thinking fly fishers are attributing their catching prowess to a series of factors outside of, and apart from, the fish that they are catching.
.. Hot topics in local, (and lowland,) pubs concern themselves with the right midge pattern, the right color for skwala flies, or the correct size for the observed mayflies.
.. No one seems to be talking about the river current's velocity and drift feeding trout. We've not heard a single word about the geomagnetic orientation of trout in a stream adjacent to massive volcanic lava formations.
.. We hear discussions of success based on "my secret pattern," but not that the trout has learned which patterns allow it to better perceive speed in the water.
.. There hasn't been a whisper heard, (by us,) about the Spring learning curve of trout and their selection of foods - available or not. Who among us describes the feeding behavior of our neighborhood trout in social or psychological terms?
.. It is particularly pertinent right now on the Madison River, the Gallatin River, Big Spring Creek, the Yellowstone River,  and most other rivers experiencing the early Spring trout activity.
.. Spring time social behavior, psychological adjustment, and feeding strategies are intricately interwoven at the moment: thank you  Professor Grubb for showing us how this works. It helps explain much, and now we know where to fish and not catch any fish - with either the right or wrong fly pattern.
.. There is quite a bit of learning going on within the mind of the thinking trout in our rivers. Habituation, persistence, attention span, forgetfulness, and other phenomena are at work in the learning curve of the trout in our rivers. My, my, my, look at how the fish conform to scientific explanation.
.. We often hear expert fly fishers talk about the "pea-sized brain" of our trout. Truth be told some are larger and some are smaller. However, there is room in those brains for both short term and long term memory. And each of these sorts of memory apply to different perceived phenomenon - for different lengths of time. Now that explains quite a bit. And we now know what sorts of behaviors we can indulge in while catching.

MONEY QUOTE #1

These fish have the equipment to perceive light, mechanical stimuli, odor and taste molecules, and electromagnetism. Such internal factors as endogenous rhythms, hunger state, and hormone levels influence their responses to these environmental stimuli. Perception and attention partially dictate what trout react to in their surroundings. Learning and memory furnish stored information that the fish integrate with current sensory input to control their behavioral responses.

.. So the next time someone explains to you about the sure-fire way to catch trout on a stream, it might serve you well to ask what they know about the trout. When was the last time they fished the place they are telling you about? How hungry are the trout? What are the light levels in the stream and the current state of sand grains and pebbles grating against boulders? And, by the way, what are the current endogenous rhythms contributing to the feeding state of the fish? Are you sure that is the right fly pattern?
.. And, also, about that pea-sized brain: parts of it seem to grow in size and then diminish in size as the mind has need of different functions. What brain parts of the local trout are currently in the ascendant state? Aha, now we know all about the wrong fly pattern catching all those fish. Try that over the next brew at the pub. Or try it while you listen to the experts expound. Or check the printed word.

MONEY QUOTE #2

Although suggestions abound for what artificial lures an angler should use under what conditions, few or none of these claims are based on experimental records. Most seem to be somewhere between witchcraft and snake oil. But, then, those promoting the use of one fly or another are often attempting to catch anglers, not trout.

.. This is hardly a book review. This is just a note to mention that a decade after this book was published it still has much to teach anglers. Sadly, it is not a book found in the libraries of most fly fishers. Not surprisingly, it's probably not for sale at the local feather merchant in your neighborhood. After all why talk about the fish - they can't be sold, unlike the latest magnificent material, or catchy color, or nifty hook design.
.. We all know that fly fishing is about ethereal feelings of connection with exotic flies, fancy gear, escapism, and our surroundings. Poetry abounds in fly fishing. We like it soft. We certainly don't want to know about the fish. That would detract from the rods, reels, lines, leaders, waders, flies, and pastel pink shirts. How dare one wax poetic about the psychological role of pods of fish and their learning curves in the Spring? It's far more satisfying to extol the virtues of a fine cast into the wind on a raging river with a massive fly and an under weighted rod and line combination.
.. We are now on the hunt for a place where the fish   . . . . .   Thank You Professor Grubb!

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Emergence

We Call It Spring

TWO MILESTONES LOOM

Close It Down

Open It Up

it's getting close

A COLONY OF ICICLES FORMS AS SNOW MELTS AT OLD FAITHFUL

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.. The calendar in a tourist town is skewed toward the arrival of hoards of visitors and significant activities pertaining thereunto. Conventional calendric milestones sometimes coincide with with local significance; often not.

An Idiocy Of Snowmobiles

.. Our neighbors can feel the upcoming improtant days and events in their bones. Right now their bones are tingling and they've become antsy. Two coincident events, (and yet a third,) are imminent.
.. The world snowmobile expo is just 10 days away. That chaos is a bit of calendric hoopla that we endure because of it's proximity to the official end of the winter season in Yellowstone National Park, which is on March 15, 2013.
.. Meanwhile, as the sleds zoom around town frightening the constabulary, residents, dogs, cats, children and wildlife; quiet preparations are being made inside Yellowstone National Park for the opening onslaught of early season visitors.

An Unkindness Of Ravens

.. Insulation, (placed there to keep snow on the grround for over-the-snow vehicles,) is being cleared from the warm sections of roads. Cavernous pot holes, (the result of numerous freeze-thaw cycles,) are filled.  Repairs of leaky roofs and frozen pipes are undertaken and, 'seasonal staff' are gearing-up for their stint in Wonderland.
.. And, of course, plowing of the lowland roads begins with a vengeance.

A GANG OF ELK

.. As soon as all the roads are clear enough for bicycle, (and administrative,) travel, the neighbors begin their pilgrimages into the accessable parts of the west side of the park. By foot, by ski, by skateboard, by roller blade, and by bicycle the neighbors and nearby residents enter the park. Right past the vehicle barriers, down the roads and into the park for free. It's a local thing and it brings out the best in folks.
.. They visit with each other about the soon-to-be summer chaos. There will be freezing rain, (going on right now,) there will be snow, there will be ice and mud and mating coyotes and flocking ravens and elk sunning themselves. There will soon be babies. Young of the year is an anticipated event in this part of the world. All these actualities and eventualities come to the fore about now.

GAS UP & CLEAN THE STREETS

.. Although the conventional calendar is mindless of our local happenings, we call it Spring. The specific definition of the exact timing of  "Spring" varies according to local climate, cultures and customs - certainly! Ours is an event based definition. It's a time of quietude. Rebirth and rejuvination are still far in the future. Up here it's when the hoards have thinned and we have the place to ourselves. It's a short respit from the chaos of destination travelers. There are no tulips: not a daisy will be found. The grass will be brown and matted, and frequently covered with fresh snow. But it is Spring and it is getting close.
.. Elk antler shedding, snow pack status, fishing prospects, picnic plans, day trips, camping, and other topics fly through the air. At the Post Office, in convinience stores, in the hardware store, in the aisles of the grocery stores it's Spring - despite the sleet and snow beating against the windows and doors. We now have time to cater to each other's concerns rather than strangers with urgent, (or - more often less than urgent,) needs.
.. Spring is when the neighbors gather and enjoy each other and the wonderful place in which we live. It has very little to do with the calendar or the weather. We call it Spring nevertheless.
.. AND THEN THE PARK OPENS - they call that Spring.

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THE INANITION OF SPRING ROADS IN YELLOWSTONE - A TRUE MARVEL

It's Time For Ice

PUT ON THE WOOLIES

Hide Your Auger & Cooler

just a couple of prospecting days left

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS

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.. So it begins! The West Yellowstone/Hebgen Lake Tournament, is a NAIFC qualifier. It is a three-day event - February 1st through 3rd, 2013. Two-thirds education and one-third competition with a maximum entry of 150 two-persons teams. This year the WY/Hebgen Lake Tournament will have an anticipated prize pool of at least $14,000.00 and could be as high as $21,000.00. Plus there are cash payouts from the Calcutta Saturday night.

.. The town pubs have all gotten their teams preped and lubricated. One of the main features for the neighbors is the "BATTLE OF THE BARS." Prestige and quaffing rights will last until next year's tournament.
.. Local merchants are sponsoring teams from the neighborhood. Please note: a local team beat all the national contenders in last year's tourney. It may happen again this year. Wives and girlfriends, husbands and boyfriends, lovers and companions, are all being scorned and neglected during the final days of prospecting and preparation for the big event.

.. Scerecy is the big key. The neighbors borrow trucks so that they will not be recognized. They are wearing different clothing and hats that haven't been seen in decades. Some have shaved. Others have grown beards. Wigs and bandanas are used in the clandestine efforts to disguise who is fishing where. High-powered binoculars are essential equipment right now.
.. On a less furtive note: It's a big event for the neighborhood kids. The KIDS ICE FISHING CAMP provides instruction and free fishing gear for all the kids that show up on Saturday.

FROM THE POOP SHEET

Ice Camp consists of in-class and on-ice fishing tutorials delivered by experienced, DNR certified NAIFC Pro-Staff instructors. In addition to demonstrations of the latest techniques and sponsor provided equipment, the curriculum promotes safety, conservation and environmental stewardship. Sponsors provide equipment and prizes for the activity, and kids who sign up and participate receive complimentary ice rods and tackle (HT Enterprises supplied over 1,100 “free” rods to kids last year). Although Ice Camp is geared toward kids, all family members are encouraged to attend regardless of age. Introduction to the newest technology coupled with professional guidance gives both the parent and child a memorable ice fishing experience.
 

.. In the evening our village "KIDS 'N' SNOW" program includes 'smores 'n' more.' Ice Skating, Sledding on the sled hill, great music and gneral revelry.
.. Should you be in the neighborhood stop in over the weekend; there's bound to be something that you will find interesting and enjoyable.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

>> February 1: Evening social hour and ice fishing seminar at the Holiday Inn, 5:00 PM,
>> February 2: Kids Ice camp at Kirkwood Resort & Marina Boathouse, 10:00 AM, all day fishing and prospecting and instructional seminars. KIDS 'N' SNOW weekend in the evening at the ice rink in town.
>> February 2: Saturday Night Mandatory Rules Meeting. Registration for the Tournament runs from 4:30-6:45 pm at the Holiday Inn in West Yellowstone, where the Social Hour begins at 5:00 pm, including a complimentary dinner for all registered team members with cash bar. The Rules Meeting, which is mandatory for at least one member of each team, starts at 7 pm. At the Rules Meeting, the exact starting time for the contest the following morning will be announced.
>> February 3: Morning, (starting time to be announced.) until 1:00 PM - THE TOURNAMENT!
>> February 3: 2:00 PM, weigh in starts, at High Country Tavern & Grill.
>> February 3: Evening, Revelry and Super Bowl Parties - all around the lake and in town.

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 ..

Wild Weekend

DOGS APLENTY

A Live Music Welcome

a little wet snow for the trails

HAND CRAFTED SPRINT SLED

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YEE HAW

.. The top 21 sled dog teams in the world visited West Yellowstone over the weekend.
.. They were welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce and Wild West Pizzera, including a night of live music.
.. The International Pedigree Stage Stop Race completed it's first cross-country stage yesterday. The race leader is world champion Buddy Streeper.

READY TO GO

.. West Yellowstone resident Charlotte Mooney finished the stage in eighth place with an average speed of  12.1 mph for the 56 mile stage that ended in Ashton, Idaho.
.. Jenny Gregor from Bozeman finished in twentieth place with an average speed of 10.3 mph.
.. A volunteer force of our neighbors took over the duties of staging the teams, weighing the required equipment to be carried, directing traffic, setting course markers, notifying teams of starting position, and general go-fer duties.
.. Fisher folks in the crowd of well wishers reveled in the fresh wet snow that lubricated the nicely groomed trail. It is much needed for our snowpack and is a cause for some back-slapping and rib-digging hijinx.

QUICK SNOOZE BEFORE THE RACE

.. The start of the race, after the evening's festivities, went off smoothly and all teams finished the stage in good shape.
.. This race is the largest stage race outside of Alaska, (over 350 miles.) Entries this year included teams from Sweden, Wyoming, Montana, Minnesota, Canada, Alaska, Oregon, and Michigan.
.. The neighborhood kids had a grand time checking out the license plates on the team rigs. Seldom seen plates from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and Alaska were the subject of much posing and picture taking.
.. The purse for the race is $170,000. Stage money includes over $800 for first place, over $700 for second, over $500 for third - - etc.
.. The major sponsor of the race is Pedigree Dog Food. The company also donates a year's supply of dog food to a local shelter at each stop along the race trail. We're looking forward to next year's event.
.. Now our attention is turned to the ice fishing tournement. Blue buns galore!

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MUSHERS AND DOGS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY

 

WORLD CAHMPIONSHIP RIG - NICE PERQ

 

Lunch

WHEN HUNGER HITS

Frugal Repast

(Apologies To Pablo)

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.. Many of the visitor-centered eateries in our village are closed in the winter. Probably a good thing. Most of the commercial food in town comes in on the same truck.
.. Our locally owned and family run restaurants operate on a small margin. They need the neighborhood business, and will cook your burger to order. Local beef is featured. The patties are freshly made. Rare fare and delicious too.
.. Should you find yourself up this way we suggest you avail yourself of the local hamburgers.

MUSH ! (as it were.)

ONLY AT -36° F

Village Goes To Dogs

top pups in nation run for fun

THE DASH FOR THE FINISH AT THE END OF 30 MILE FUN RUN

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.. Sunday morning dawned cold and clear after a night where the temperature sagged into record territory. None of the neighbors, (save one,) went fishing. He's probably still on Hebgen Lake with his drawers frozen to the ice.

LONG LEGS AND DEEP CHEST - FAST

.. Most of the neighbors were in town and ready to observe, (or help with,) the West Yellowstone Fun Run.
.. This is a 30 mile sprint for sled dogs and mushers. It's one of the last tune-up races in the training schedule for the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, (IPSSSDR.) the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states.
.. The start of the race was posponed an hour until 11:00 AM so that it could begin at a balmy -6° F. It went off without a hitch, (oops,) and was completed in a couple of hours with all the teams doing better than a 13mph, average.
.. The sprint dogs are specialized athletes. They are not the distance dogs, (marathon or load carriers,) that are featured in movies and T.V. ads. They are toned to a rock hard muscle tone. They have deep chests. They seldom have long hair. They are gregarious, happy, vocal, playful, and eager to run.

FLASHING FEET AROUND THE LAST BEND

.. These dogs train year round. During the non-snow season the teams occasionally drag a 4-wheeler around the trails in the woods. As soon as snow hits the ground, training with a sled, a musher, and some weight begins in all seriousness.
.. It takes special people and special dogs to produce a top international race event. The West Yellowstone Fun Run is one of the events that qualify.
.. The IPSSSDR is another premium event and will visit our village on January 27, 2013. The West Yellowstone segment of the IPSSSDR race covers 56 miiles and is the longest leg of the race. The total race length is over 350 miles. The purse for the race is slated to top $170,000.00.
.. Should you be in the neighborhood drop in and take a break from ice in your guides. OR - stay a couple of days and visit with the racers or take a ride in a dog sled.
RESOURCES:
>> SLED DOG CENTRAL
>> KLONDIKE DREAMS
>> IPSSSDR

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AT THE APEX OF THE LAST CORNER - FINISH LINE IN SIGHT

 

ACROSS THE FINISH LINE AT FULL BORE - JUST A WALK IN THE PARK

 

RELAXING - MAKING SNOW ANGELS - AT THE END OF THE RACE

 

 

A Game Of Leisure

WE HAVE A GOLF COURSE

We Can't Use It,

no big loss - enjoy the cold

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.. It's been on the cool side of the thermometer since the storm left the neighborhood. We have run out of degrees every evening and some times end up owing 20 or 30 of them.
.. Tonight looks to be on the warm side of -20° F. That's good because the dogs are racing early tomorrow morning. The teams have been training for a week and have had a day or two for R&R. The race start at 10:00 AM: musher's meeting at 9:00 AM. READ ABOUT IT HERE.
..  We're headed that way now.

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Some Indoor Entertainment

IT'S SNOWIN' & BLOWIN'

Fish If You Dare
you have been warned

 

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.. The NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE is our freind. The warning is posted below. We're loving it. The fish will appreciate it.
.. Just down the block is a nice indoor shooting range. We are going there - hopefully.

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST FRIDAY

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST FRIDAY.
* TIMING AND MAIN IMPACT: SNOW...HEAVY AT TIMES...WILL DEVELOP OVER THE REGION THIS MORNING. ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL WILL CONTINUE THROUGH TONIGHT AND INTO FRIDAY. AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW...ESPECIALLY ON FRIDAY...WILL ALSO REDUCE VISIBILITIES. EXPECT ROADWAYS TO GRADUALLY BECOME SNOW AND ICE COVERED TODAY.
* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS: AT LOWER ELEVATIONS...EXPECT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 7 TO 12 INCHES...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS UP TO 15 INCHES. IN THE MOUNTAINS...EXPECT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 2 FEET...WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS UP TO 3 FEET.
* WINDS AND VISIBILITY: NORTH WINDS GUSTING BETWEEN 20 AND 30 MPH AT TIMES WILL PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW. VISIBILITIES WILL BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE HALF MILE TIMES IN PERIODS OF HEAVIER SNOW.
* OTHER IMPACTS: ROADWAYS WILL INITIALLY BECOME ICY BY LATE THIS MORNING...AS COLDER AIR MOVES INTO THE REGION FREEZING WET PAVEMENT SURFACES...THEN SNOW WILL BEGIN TO COVER THE ROADWAYS. ADDITIONALLY...WIND CHILL VALUES WILL FALL WELL BELOW ZERO BY FRIDAY MORNING.
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED INCLUDE: ALL OF NORTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA.
* TO SEE A GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THIS HAZARD PLEASE VISIT: WWW.WRH.NOAA.GOV/WRH/WHV/?WFO=TFX
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

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Merry Christmas

THE REEL SANTA

. . . SEASON

'TIS THE . . .

Time To Burrow In

IT'S GETTING DEEP

That's A Good Thing

more good news on the horizon
[Montana DOJ administrative message below]

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Urgent - Immediate Broadcast Requested
Administrative Message
Montana Department Of Justice
Relayed By National Weather Service Great Falls MT
1152 AM MST Tue Dec 18 2012

The Following Message Is Transmitted At The Request Of The
Montana Department Of Justice.

The Sheridan County Sheriff Office Is Activating A Missing
Endangered Person Advisory For Eric Zinke. He Is Described As A 17
Year Old White Male...Who Is 5 Feet 11 Inches Tall...153
Pounds...With Brown Hair And Blue Eyes.

He Is Possibly Driving From Sheridan County To Livingston In A
White 1999 Chevrolet Malibu Two Door...Bearing Montana License
Plate Number: 34-3568a.

Eric May Be In Possession Of A Gun.

If Located...Contact The Sheridan County Sheriff Office At
406-765-1200.

A Missing Person Poster And Additional Information Can Be Found At
The Department Of Justice Website: Doj.Mt.Gov

.

Auger In

HEBGEN LAKE IS SOLID

Thrumming is Rampant

flies and pimples in use

SCENIC HEBGEN LAKE IN WINTER DRESS

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.. The neighbors are getting worked up about the ice fishing on Hebgen Lake. There's just 6 weeks until the NAIFC-sanctioned ice fishing tournament arrives. This year there will be a prize pool of at least $14,000 and it could go as high as $21,000. Two local teams took home giant chunks of change last year. They are hoping to do it again this year.
.. The balmy days, frigid nights, and perpetual snows are exciting the neighbors beyond all rational behavior. Ten pound trout have already been landed on Swedish Pimples and giant Shop Vac flies. The tournament headquaters out at Kirkwood Resort and Marina is already gearing up with pre-fishing schedules and maps.
.. This tournement has grown so fast that it has two pages on the official Montana State Travel Website:
===> HERE  &  HERE.
.. The tournament is a three day affair: February 1, 2, 3, 2013. It includes free kids' camp, clinics and instruction, a pre fishing day, group tutorials, Rocky Mountain Ice Fishing Product Fair, and of course the tournament and weigh-in.
.. The tournament is limited to 150 two-person teams so get your registration form in early. Like right now. Use the form on the OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT WEBSITE.
.. We'll keep you informed.

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THE SNOW HAS FINALLY ARRIVED IN WEST YELLOWSTONE