Letters - Winter 2025-26

Florida Man Strikes Again
Your falcon-hunting story (“Flying on Unclipped Wings,” Fall 2025) was interesting. But I still prefer eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan. The bird’s owner told us that it takes 10 years to train the eagles, that they hunt together for 10 years, and that they free them for the last 10 years of the eagles’ lives. Look at the landscape in Kyrgyzstan—no trees or bushes. Imagine how hard it was for early humans to hunt there. Winters are pretty brutal.

When the owner called that eagle, it flew down from the hilltop and landed on the pad on my arm. I felt a little nervous with that beak so close to my face. It was also quite heavy. That’s me on the horse (my blue Nikes probably gave me away). My wife and I are part-time Bozeman residents, though we spend most of our year in South Florida.

You might want to tell your readers that some old guy from Florida was inquiring if Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has restrictions on fishing with eagles on the Gallatin. It would take me about 20 minutes to catch my limit.

—B. Keiser

Dirty Old Climbers
Congrats to Adrien Costa for the great piece on the Dirty Sox Club (“Dirty Sox & Tight Lips,” Fall 2025). It is likely that few know about a great 60-page professionally-bound book done by MSU grad student Charles Bolte in 2016, for his photography thesis. Probably one of the most limited editions ever printed (maybe only 20 published). Charles did an incredible job researching and documenting the early history of DSC, with lots of old pics and current interviews. So many funny stories are included in the book that are past the “statute of limitations.” Much of the early history of the DSC was in the Humbugs and Beartooths, and a trip to Yosemite. Some of the early artifacts can also be found in the “museum” at the Spire.

—S. White

Montana Is Full
I just read the “Ugly by Design” article (Fall 2025). I think it’s actually a great plan! Maybe we could ugly up the town too? Then maybe some of the newcomers would go back where they come from. If you know some of the county commissioners, maybe we could convince them to pass a law that no one else can move in until 10 people move out!

—G. Morgan

Veggie Woes
First off, good job with magazine, I enjoy reading it. One story that I haven’t seen anyone cover is the effect that the warmer winter has been having on Montana’s frozen-vegetable crops. I have always heard that Montana, with the usual cold winters, is one of the largest producers of frozen vegetables. Now with the warmer weather, bags are only half full, and some are thawing in the fields. Anyway, just thought if your writer Joe King is looking for a story to cover, this might be up his alley.

—D. Richter

Sister-Pub Salutations
Pursuant to your request, I am herein tendering my review of your new fishing mag (Montana Fly Fishing Magazine, Fall/Winter 2025). It is very nice, especially the pics and stories…. looks like you’ve picked up few good advertisers, also. As a former owner and pioneer in the saltwater-fly-magazine industry, I can tell you with great confidence that you have a prize. Congratulations and good luck.

—Capt. Chuck, Doublehaul Outfitters