Montana Living

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New Tractor

Today our new tractor was delivered.


We opted for a trailer, brush hog, and a posthole digger to aid in our landscaping business. We purchased it as a package deal and it was shipped from Texas.


This is a Mitzubishi 2650 with 4 wheel drive and power steering. So far we really love it. It is a 31 horsepower with a front end loader.


Our other tractor is an Allis Chalmers D-17.


We hope this new tractor will be easier to use and enable us to complete even more tasks. I will be listing some pictures of our accomplishments soon.

I would like to hear comments from other tractor owners and what they can do with their tractors.




Wow! I mowed down some weeds in the pasture and the grass just sprung up and turned green over night. Both the sun and the rain is getting to the grass now. Planted some trees too, this new tractor is gonna be a great asset both at home and with our business.



The folks at Josef Tractor in Dallas, Texas were great to work with. They sell new and reconditioned tractors and equipment. Top notch customer service all the way!
Check em out at http://www.joseftractor.com/

Spring 2012 Northern Pike Fishing

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Well spring is here in Montana and with it comes the relief of cabin fever. For us it is a chance to get out and enjoy our favorite sports. This year we decided to sell the motor home and opt for a truck camper. Well...a truck camper with a small very versatile fishing boat. The boat is a 12 foot aluminum Valco with 15 hp Evinrude, Minn Kota trolling motor, comfy seats, rod holders, down riggers, two landing nets, and room for most anything we need.

This brings us to our first outing, pike fishing in Eastern Montana. This was the view of the lake from our camper window.


The second day was beautiful and we headed out to start fishing.


Next it was time to pick the right lure. Northern Pike are very vicious fish but the right lure and the right lure presentation is the only way to get them in your boat.


Northern Pike have very sharp teeth and can break a line quickly. We use steel leaders or heavy line leaders to avoid loosing the fish. As for lures some are homemade from wood. These are carved using a lathe, and hand painted.

It's time to fish.


It wasn't long before our stringer began to fill.


In Montana due to contaminants it is recommended not to eat pike over 20 inches as the larger fish contain higher amounts. Some contaminants occur naturally such as mercury that collects in soil and rocks. Eating fish is very healthy and proper cleaning and cooking eliminates the risk.

At the end of 6 hours of fishing we had caught 15 Northern pike between 18 and 28 inches and filled our stringers.


Next comes the task that everyone hates, cleaning the fish. We have a portable fish cleaning station that makes the task easier. With our generator powering an electric filet knife, and plenty of clean fresh water it goes quickly.


With pike you get three filets, the top and two sides. Pike are very bony and care must be taken to get a boneless filet.

Here in Montana the time to fish for pike is when the ice melts, however this year we got an early start with all the warm weather. We enjoyed a funfilled and fishfilled trip early this year. Camping and fishing is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the outdoors.