Good Times at Schnee’s Elk Calling Seminar with Chad Schearer

If you happened to be walking around downtown Bozeman Thursday evening, it may have sounded like some of the local wildlife wandered too close to town! Chad Schearer, host of Shoot Straight TV and multi-award winning elk caller, was filling the air with chirps, mews and bugles while passing along some important calling tips to the crowd during a great elk calling presentation Thursday at Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters.

Nearly 50 guests crowded around as Chad covered some key points on calling and how to become more successful at calling in the field. With over 20 years of experience calling and guiding hunters in the woods, Chad elaborated on how and when to use calling to your advantage in different types of hunting scenarios. One practice in particular that Chad stressed the importance of was that of “aggressive patience”. According to Chad, this means “patiently waiting until the time is right is to be aggressive”, learning to be aggressively patient is a valuable tool for anyone that would like to become more successful during the elk season.

During the seminar Chad did a great job of answering questions and he even hung around afterwards to help those who had even more questions about specific types of calls and gear for the hunt. Chad, his wife Marsha and there two boys are very passionate about hunting and the outdoors as well as preserving the outdoor heritage. If you would like to see more of Chad and his family and continue to pick up his tips, tune into The Sportsman Channel 9PM MST Tuesday, 6AM MST Friday or 4:30PM MST Sunday afternoon for Shoot Straight with Chad Schearer.

Thank you to all that attended this fun and informative event and thank you to Chad and his family for coming down and putting on a great show!

They’re coming…

Been a tough winter, but Spring is coming...

With the month of March drawing to a close, we’re seeing more deer and elk emerge seemingly daily.  We have had a pretty tough winter in Montana this year, and we will be hoping winter kill figures are not too severe.  On the other hand, our snowpack is good and water levels should be too, which in general is positive for our fish and wildlife populations.  Here are a few elk in winter range, the snowy photo and the herd bedded are the same herd in basically the same spot on the same day, snow fall in the morning and mostly burned off by the evening.

Nice to see a pretty respectable population in this area again this spring, as wolves have just recently arrived in this particular region and, as we all know, they will begin to take their toll on this herd, as with any, if the wolves are not properly managed.

Great Gift Ideas from Schnee’s!

With only ten shopping days left, why spend your time navigating crammed parking lots and busy malls when you shop from the convenience of your home at www.schnees.com! Schnee’s has a great assortment of gifts for everyone on your list, even those that are hard to shop for!

Give your loved ones the gift of comfort and warmth this year with a new pair of boots or slippers from Schnee’s, UGG or Ernest Hemingway: A Handrcafted Footwear Collection. From functional indoor/outdoor slippers to warm winter boots, Schnee’s has great footwear for everyone! Socks also make a great holiday gift! Schnee’s is proud to carry a selection of premium outdoor and casual socks from Smartwool, Lorpen and Thorlo.

Schnee's Bison Montana II

Not sure what to get for Dad this year? How about Schnee’s 5-Pocket Bison Wallet? Schnee’s wallets are crafted from our exclusive, genuine American Bison leather and are available in 3 different sizes! Another great gift Dad would surely enjoy would be the Schnee’s Big Horn Flannel™ shirt. This classic flannel is crafted from 5oz Portuguese Flannel for an incredible fit and feel and is available in three great colors.

Schnee's Bighorn Flanner

Still looking for that special gift for the impossible to shop for person on your list? Give the gift that always fits with a Schnee’s Gift Card! Schnee’s Gift Cards are available in any amount and never expire! Our Gift Cards can be used online, by phone or in any of our 3 retail stores in Bozeman, MT!

Schnee's Gift Card

If you have questions about any of our products or you would just like more information, give our expert Customer Service staff a call toll-free at 1-800-922-1562, we’d be happy to assist you! Happy Holidays from all of us at Schnee’s~

Get Ready for the Hunting Season with Schnee’s

With the General Big Game season underway here in Montana and much of the west, thousands of residents and non-residents are heading into the mountains in hopes of filling a tag or two. Whether you plan on heading out into the mountains on your own or with the service of a qualified outfitter, be sure to visit Schnee’s for all of the backcountry essentials before your next hunt!

Traversing the Rockies in search of big game requires footwear that will provide the proper amount of support, traction and protection to tackle the rugged terrain found across the western US. This may include side-hilling on slippery shale, crossing mountain streams or post-holing through thigh deep snow to get to where your quarry is. Schnee’s Hunter II series of boots have been the go-to choice of boots for outfitters, guides and sportsmen taking to the mountains every fall for over 23 years. Designed for comfort and built to last, the Hunter II is available in 10”, 13” and 16” heights and features Schnee’s exclusive Advantage™ rubber outsole for maximum traction in any condition.

Schnee's Hunter II

During your hunt, stay comfortable whether you are in the saddle, around camp or on the mountain with the Schnee’s Rifleman’s Shirt™. Introduced into the Schnee’s line last Fall, the Rifleman’s Shirt™ has quickly become a favorite among western sportsmen. Combining the fit, feel and warmth of fine wool with the wicking and drying properties of a synthetic, the Rifleman’s Shirt is sure to become your favorite. Available in 4 heathered colors and beautifully trimmed with a genuine leather collar stand and leather button holes on the front pockets, the Rifleman’s Shirt™ also features a generous bi-swing back for a comfortable range of motion.

Schnee’s Rifleman’s Shirts

Finally, don’t forget the little things. Schnee’s carries a wide assortment of invaluable accessories for your hunting season. From premium leather conditioner, canvas quarter bags and binocular suspenders to custom made hunting knives, Schnee’s has you covered.

Hunting Essentials

Before you set out on your next hunting hunting adventure, let the experts at Schnee’s help you prepare for the hunt of a lifetime. All of these great products can be found by visiting our retail stores in historic downtown Bozeman or online at www.schnees.com.

Montana Upland Season Is Here!

With the Pheasant opener scheduled for for this weekend, the upland season in Montana  is officially in full swing!  Whether your passion is chasing pheasants through the grain and cover of the plains or working quail and woodcock through the wooded south, Schnee’s has the clothing and footwear that you need to make your upland season an enjoyable one!

Back for it’s fourth season, the renowned Schnee’s Bozeman™ boot is ready to walk the fields and provide all-day comfort through virtually any terrain. Hailed by many a wingshooter as the best upland boot around, the Bozeman continues to receive rave reviews from the field.  Available in 6″ and 8″ heights and featuring an eVent® breathable waterproof membrane, the Bozeman™ will keep your feet dry and comfortable regardless of the weather.

Schnee's Bozeman Boot

New from Schnee’s this year is the Greycliff Field Shirt™. Modeled after the well received Schnee’s Western Plains Field Shirt™, the lighter, 4oz Greycliff Shirt is an excellent choice for those warm early season days afield. Available in Blaze/Stone or Khaki, the Greycliff Shirt retains all of the great features found on the Western Plains Field Shirt including a bi-swing back, hidden zippered chest pockets and our signature shotgun snaps.

Schnee’s Greycliff Field Shirt

Another staple in the Schnee’s family of upland hunting and shooting apparel is the Schnee’s Powder Horn Field Coat™. This best of breed field coat is meticulously crafted from our signature dry waxed Range Cloth™ and trimmed with a premium leather collar and cuffs.  Shell loops in the front bellow pockets, a generous bi-swing back and blood-proof game bag provide function in the field, although once you put this coat on, you are sure to wear it for more than just your days in the fields. Available lined or unlined.

Schnee's Powder Horn Field Coat

Schnee’s Brings You The Best in Hunting Footwear and Apparel For 2010!

With the fall hunting season approaching fast, Schnee’s has what you need to get prepared for the upcoming season. Whether you are looking for a new hunting jacket or the best hunting boots available, Schnee’s has all of the greatest new clothing and equipment available from Sitka, Prois, Schnee’s, Badlands and more!

Whitetail hunters need to check out the new line of clothing and accessories by Sitka Gear designed specifically with the treestand hunter in mind. Featuring the all new GORE® OPTIFADE™ Big Game Forest pattern and consisting of the Stratus, Downpour and Incinerator Series, Sitka has optimized this new line for the savvy stand hunter. Sitka has also extended the new Forest camouflage pattern to many of their existing items including the Core and Traverse base layers, ascent packs and the ever popular Sitka 90% Jacket and Pant.

Elk hunters should really enjoy Sitka’s newly redesigned Jetstream Hunting Jacket. This jacket utilizes GORE™ WINDSTOPPER® soft shell technology for those windy days hiking and glassing in the high country and for 2010 Sitka has added pit zips for increased breathability as well as a hood for additional protection from the elements. Combine the Sitka Jetstream Jacket with the Jetstream Beanie and Gloves, Sitka Ascent pants and the Sitka Flash 32 pack and you are just about ready to hit the mountains in search of that trophy, but don’t forget about your footwear!

Sitka Jetstream Jacket

Tough terrain, heavy packs and long days afield require quality, supportive footwear. Schnee’s has just introduced the new Montana Mountain Boot™ series built specifically with the serious hunter in mind. Consisting of the Granite™, Beartooth™ and Wilderness™ models, this may just be the best collection of elk hunting boots ever made! Crafted in Italy, these boots feature eVent® breathable membranes for 100% waterproof protection. Full-length heavy duty midsoles combined with extra-thick premium leather uppers work together to provide the highest level of support and comfort in difficult terrain.

Schnee's Granite Boot

Schnee’s is also proud to offer a great selection of clothing and accessories for all of the women hunters out there as well. Women who are tired of settling for the baggy, generic fit associated with wearing men’s hunting clothes will be ecstatic when they discover Prois hunting apparel for women. This great collection of quality women’s hunting clothing is designed, cut and built to perform for women by women!

Badlands Packs has added a ladies pack option this year as well with the Kali Pack. This 2500 cubic inch pack has plenty of room for a day on the mountain and features contoured shoulder straps and hip belt for a comfortable fit for women as well as excellent weight distribution.

Badlands Kali Pack

Spring Fly Fishing Demo Day at Schnee’s Powder Horn Store!

We hope you will be able to get out this weekend to enjoy Downtown Bozeman and stop by Schnee’s Powder Horn store for our Spring Fly Fishing Demo Day Saturday April 24^th! Swing in from 11am-4pm and enjoy free hot dogs, chips and soda while it lasts and take advantage of some great deals on rods, reels, waders and more!

Spring '10 Fly Fishing

Casting lanes will be setup outside of the Powder Horn to test some of the latest and greatest fly rods and reels for 2010 and factory reps from Ross Reels, Idylwilde, St. Croix, Dan Bailey’s, Rio and more will be in-store to talk about some of the great new gear available this year. There will also be plenty of drawings for some fantastic prizes courtesy of our great vendors, including a Fully-Guided-Half-Day-Fishing-Trip from Powder Horn Outfitters for 1 or 2 anglers ($350 Value)! 

Powder Horn Fly Fishing Specialist Keith Loeber

We hope to see you at the ‘Horn!

 

Spring Bear Season Is Near

Spring in the West is an exciting time for sportsmen. The changing of the seasons lets us know that it is time to put away the skis and winter clothes once again and exchange them for our favorite boots and binoculars. As the snow begins to melt in the high country and southern facing slopes begin to green up, states such as Montana, Idaho and Wyoming prepare to start off the 2010 big game hunting year with the spring Black Bear season.  Black Bear can be hunted from Alaska to New Mexico and practically anywhere in between, but a few western states offer good bear populations along with reasonably priced tags available over-the-counter for non-resident hunters.

Black Bears will typically begin emerging from their dens around March/April and will spend the next few months grazing and restoring their strength for the upcoming breeding season. During this time bears remain particularly active during the day making it easier to spot the bears roaming around. Depending on the style or method of hunting that you prefer, you should be able to find a state with generous season dates that caters to your desires in a bear hunt.

If you prefer bow hunting, Wyoming offers an Archery-Only season in many units that begins a couple of weeks prior to the general spring bear season. Archery equipment can be used to hunt bears in Montana and Idaho, but for the most part these states offer a “general” spring bear season that is shared with firearm hunters and archery hunters may be required to wear blaze orange.  Wyoming and Idaho differ from some western states in that they allow the use of hounds and baiting to hunt and take spring bear, special permits may be required for these types of hunting so be sure to check with the appropriate departments prior to your hunt. Montana does not allow the use of hounds or baiting for hunting bear, but with an abundance of accessible forest lands Montana is a great choice for those interested in do-it-yourself spot-and-stalk type of hunt.

If “spring-fever” has you restless and looking for a retreat, consider a spring bear hunt out west. Non-residents can hunt Black Bear in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana for around $350-$400 after licenses, tags and fees, not a bad price for those interested in a do-it-yourself adventure! More information on spring bear hunting out west is available through the following links~

Wyoming Game and Fish Department : http://gf.state.wy.us/index.asp

Idaho Fish and Game: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks: http://fwp.mt.gov/

Vote Now! Favorite Hunting on the Sportsman Channel!

Please vote for Powder Horn Montana in the awards categories at the Sportsman Channel! Jon Edwards & Jason Matzinger’s show, Powder Horn Montana,  is in the Hunting Show category. Also, please vote for Jason Matzinger & Jon Edwards in the Favorite personalities category!

Thanks again from the folks at Schnee’s and Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters!

ExOfficio Hiking/Outdoor Pants 25% Off!

At Schnee’s Powder Horn Outfitters, when can’t hunt, we explore the breathtaking outdoors surrounding Bozeman. What better to be wearing on a hike than lightweight water and stain resistant performance clothing?

Get ready for spring and summer hiking with 25% off ExOfficio outdoor pants for a limited time!

With features such as wrinkle resistance, UV protection, water and stain resistance, and bug repellency, ExOfficio performance clothing keep your mind off yourself and on the adventure at hand. Since 1987, ExOfficio has been providing clothing solutions for outdoor and travel enthusiasts, with an emphasis on functionality.

From built-in UV protection to bug repellent BUZZ OFF™ garments, ExOfficio is constantly striving to create the perfect piece of clothing for your next adventure. ExOfficio has clothing for traveling, hiking, backpacking, rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, taking a jaunt to the coffee shop, or a trip around the globe.

View ExOfficio Clothing at Powder Horn Outfitters >

Bozeman, Montana Recreational Info Learn more about hiking trails and recreation around Gallatin National Forest from the USDA Forest Service at www.fs.fed.us. You’ll find recreational, travel, and vacation planning information for the Bozeman, Montana area at VisitMT.com.