Autumn among the best time for a hike

A cool morning breeze teased softly falling leaves like gemstones of autumn-colored spheres to the ground. Near a fire pit and a tepee, 11 folks met to share a prewinter Saturday.

Miners, they came from Pack River country — Troy, Libby, Silver Butte, Happy’s Inn, Kalispell, Whitefish and Babb —  they came together.

All of us were geared up in kaleidoscope hues from cool camouflage and an interesting assortment of hats, bandanas, packs, binoculars and cameras for a free guided hike sponsored by the Montana Wilderness Association. The theme of the hike was “Wetland Wanderings.”

Dyed-in-the-wool, Northern Rockies outdoorsmen and women were out for an autumn expedition mining for fall gems in whatever shape and form they may come. They are a flight seeking treasures of the Treasure State, and just taking it all in.

What a fantastic season to be in the woods.

Whatever it may be that floats your boat, we just hope you’re out there doing it during this time of the year.

Rumor has it that it is a bonus year for our “woods-chickens,” or various species of grouse. The breasts make a delicious dish, and a grouse hunting expedition can be combined with a wood-getting affair.

Pack some lunch, the kids and grab a few able-bodied buds to help fall, split and stack the wood. Remember that way, the wood will keep you warm at least three times: getting it, splitting it and burning it.

It’s an awesome time to be an outdoor photographer, as the variety of fall colors and animal activity provide the backdrop and potential to score an award-winning photo. And speaking of floating your boat, why not combine a fall fishing foray with a photo safari by canoe or kayak?

Black-bear season is on too, and one gentleman shared with us his story of success harvesting a six- foot tall, six-year-old beautifully coated cinnamon bear just recently.

Archery season for elk is open, and although some of the most knowledgeable and successful bow hunters we know are not hearing much bugling, it’s going to be happening, so keep your ears peeled folks.

There sure seems to be an abundance of healthy reproduction on the deer front, as seeing this summer’s fawns in groups of two or three pretty common. Region 1 biologists are predicting favorable odds for this years deer and elk harvest. Please remember to be prepared and be safe this hunting season. Familiarize yourself with the         topographic maps of your area, know your tracks and, by all means, site in your rifle. Experienced marksmen know that this can give you an edge of confidence.

Our group of 11 discovered numerous gems near the Chain of Lakes and the Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge. And let me say, it is not called the Lost Trail for nothing. It is a hidden, hidden treasure.

We wandered through the wetlands that were open to viewing, and our findings came near by, and in the distance. And were in many shapes and forms.

We spotted a dark-phase female red-tailed hawk, emerald reeds and rushes, deer, elk and coyote tracks baked in carob-colored mud like surface clay pottery, red-fox tracks just inside a mine shaft of a culvert bottom,  coyote, fox and badger scat from oily paste art to chalklike sculptures with tapered ends textured with bone and fur.

There were wood carvings and modelings of beaver sign, dams and dens. Muskrats built erector set-like stick mini-mounds.We witnessed an aerial dance performance by several harriers. The marsh hawks hunting, gliding and playing about five feet above the terrain. Holding a pattern and diving, a most graceful performance.

Below, tree-crown level, a massive stick sculpture reveals a snow white-tipped bald eagle head. And through the looking glass, a pair of tundra swans preen each other. The wind blows, teardrops of rain fall gently.

In the distance at day’s end, like the end of any good page, a single mountain blue bird adds it’s indigo exclamation mark as new friends fly off on their own treasure hunts.

(Brian Baxter is an outdoorsman who writes a monthly column for The Western News.)