"Lipstick Hunter"
FLYWAY
Tell us where you were born and raised and how you discovered your passion for hunting and fishing?
MARROW
I was born in good Ole' Odessa, Texas and raised in quite a few different places. I moved from West Texas when I was sixteen to Fort Collins, Colorado. From there, I got married and moved to a small town in Oklahoma. After living in Oklahoma for five years, my husband and I decided that we really missed our mountains, so we decided to make the big move up to the Big Sky Country. My heritage runs from Browning, Montana and different parts of Canada. I am Blackfoot Indian and have always been raised with a strong heritage and instincts for survival. I always said I would retire in Montana, but didn't want to be too old to climb those steep mountains when hunting.
I wasn't raised as a hunter, but we fished all of the time. I loved fishing the lakes and streams in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. It was always such a treat when I got to go. My brother and Dad were the hunters, and I was left at home being jealous and not understanding why in the world guys thought girls didn't or couldn't hunt. Now obviously I don't believe all guys think that way, just the guys in my life at the time. I didn't get to start hunting until I lived in Oklahoma. My father in-law owned quite a bit of land that had three lakes and all the turkey and deer you can imagine. From the earliest memories I have, I loved nature and everything to do with it. I've always had a dream of wanting to live up in the mountains of Montana, with a ranch, while living off the land. I think it's only natural that I would fall in love with all aspects of hunting and fishing.
FLYWAY
What is your greatest hunting memory?
MARROW
As far as my favorite hunting memory goes, it would have to be my first deer kill. I actually shot a buck and doe at the same time with the same bullet if you can believe that! For an inexperienced hunter I thought I did a good job, but found out shortly after that I was suppose to make sure the buck was clear of any other animals, oops! I’ve been totally addicted ever since.
FLYWAY
As an avid waterfowl hunter, would I ever want to hunt ducks or geese in Montana? I don't hear too much about waterfowl hunting in Montana.
MARROW
Absolutely you would! There are some great goose migrations here. I find myself going to the Montana Field and Game website to look for the exact locations of the geese. As far as other waterfowl hunting goes, it's a must!
Townsend, Montana
is a great place. — If you can find lakes that haven't dried up or frozen, you should find great numbers of waterfowl the month of November in Montana. The most obvious effect when it gets cooler is fewer birds in the sky because of the reduction in springtime nesting habitat. But a less appreciated effect is that a substantial portion of the fall waterfowl flight may keep on going because there isn't enough suitable water on which to land and loaf.You can't change the numbers of birds in the sky, or where and when they migrate. But you can be prepared for a number of options by hunting larger water bodies with a variety of habitats.
Nine pipes Wildlife Management Area
One of the most consistent waterfowl spots in the state, this 3,100-acre public marsh located in the heart of the Mission Valley produces plenty of ducks and geese but is also a major stop-over spot for Pacific Flyway birds.
This spring's goose production was good while duck numbers were a little off the long-term average. to name a few.
FLYWAY
Tell me what your favorite bird or animal to hunt is and why
MARROW
Oh my word, my favorite? Can I say all???? I really enjoy hunting pheasant, turkey, and quail. So I guess I have a top 3! Ha Ha. I love bird hunting because usually (on a good day) you don't only get to shoot once, as with a lot of hunting. I like to make lamps and flower arrangement with the feathers. Something else that I actually get huge cravings for (this is my chocolate) is predator hunting. I love calling in an animal that usually is a nuisance to farmer's and ranchers, and well, taking care of that problem. Of course my favorite time to hunt Coyote's, Bobcat's etc. is in the winter because they produce such fantastic coats.
FLYWAY
You can go on a dream hunt with any 3 people, alive or deceased. Who will you be taking, where will you be going, and what will you be hunting for?
MARROW
Well number one would be my husband, Mike. He's taught me almost everything I know, and for that I am so thankful. He's never given me that "I don't think you can handle this" look. Two, would be my Dad, my little girl or Fred Bear. They are all so amazing! Fred is of course a huge idol of mine. And three, well Dave, you want to go to Africa? So as you can see I'd love to go to Africa, especially for the Big 5. But if I couldn't get the Big 5, I'd settle for a trophy Kudu. I am fascinated by them! I wouldn't mind an all girls hunt just about anywhere, kind of a Sex in the City gone to the Country, although my Sex in the City girls would know how to handle their guns or bows!
FLYWAY
For your birthday this year I will be inviting 3 of your favorite bands or singers to perform for you at your birthday party. Who will I be inviting?
MARROW
Keith Urban, Rascal Flats, and Kiss! I know, quite the array, but I love them!
FLYWAY
You are the creator of "Lipstick Hunter". Tell me how it originated and what it's all about.
MARROW
Everywhere I went before Oklahoma it always seemed people didn't think I could handle myself in the great outdoors. Must be that I am a tomboy at heart with a girly girl persona. (hint the name Lipstick Hunter) I'd wear high heels hunting if I could! I have an absolute passion for the outdoors. I believe women need to get behind hunting if the sport is to survive and prosper. I want a tradition to pass onto my children. I think young women need to have options outside pink dresses and high heels. I also think all women need to understand where the food on the table comes from and the thrill of the hunt. No harm comes from an outdoor education and it counters a drug and crime culture. I believe it provides stress relief from modern life. Handling weapons gives women both security and respect for guns rifles and safe handling. It's an activity that keeps families together and shares basic instincts. It is also a great way to meet nice people and gives you options all over the world.
FLYWAY
You hunt and fish and are very successful and good at it. As a woman, do you feel there are enough women in the hunting and fishing industry or do you feel there could and should be more? What are some ways to get more women involved in hunting and fishing and the outdoors in general?
MARROW
Women can promote everything well. Look at any product advertised anywhere in the media and women are smiling right back at you. The big growth area in our sport is for women. They need the opportunity to show the "I can". It will bridge a lot of gaps and promote understanding in our society. "The blue rinse set" doesn't understand guns because they have never used them.
FLYWAY
What is your favorite meal?
MARROW
Have you ever heard of a critter dinner? It's where a lot of people bring all their game with their best recipes and have a pot luck. There is usually a crawfish broil as well. Unbelievable! It's making my mouth water right now!
FLYWAY
What is your favorite fish, and what is the biggest fish you ever caught?
MARROW
I love fishing for trout, my favorite kind of trout is a brown. I love their colors! My biggest trout caught on a fly rod was about 17 inches. This was caught on the San Juan River in New Mexico. I know it's not that impressive, but boy was I proud!
FLYWAY
Here in Minnesota we love to ice fish. Do you like ice fishing?
MARROW
I love ice fishing!!! It's a whole different kind of fishing to me. I love the huts better than just getting out there on the bare ice without one. It always used to freak me out thinking this hut's getting hot, I hope the ice doesn't melt. I'm sure that isn't the first time someone has thought that, but with experience that fear goes away. I say, let's take a trip to Alaska and really give it a shot!
FLYWAY
What are some of your other interests besides hunting and fishing?
MARROW
I love making furniture from antlers, feathers, and of course different paints, anything to do with Interior Design. Of course I love hiking , travel, mountain bike riding, horse back riding (which I'm due for a pack trip) photography, marketing. reading mountain men books, sampling fine scotch, wine, good music. Sailing boats, kayaks, keeping fit in the outdoors. Keeping up with hunting fashions, bows, guns , reloading, tying flies, and looking at hand made knives for hunting.
FLYWAY
Have you ever hunted or fished Minnesota? You love to fish and we are the state of 10,000 lakes!
MARROW
No, but I sure would like to! But if I come, I'm sure you'd take me to the right spots with the right gear so we can promote it to the hilt, right? I hate waiting for fish to make sure they are biting! Ha! I'd love to cook the fish caught right on the bank, something about that always makes them taste better.
FLYWAY
I want you to become a saleswoman for a moment. Sell me on a hunting trip to Montana. What do you feel Montana has that makes experiencing the outdoors there so special?
MARROW
I would most likely set you up with a well know outfitter such as Armells Creek Outfitters out of Roy, Montana. They specialize in Mule Deer, Whitetails, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Antelope, Upland Birds such as Pheasant, Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge, and Sage Grouse. You can also hunt varmints. They offer over 70,000 acres of private land hunting in some of the most sought after hot spots on the Missouri River Breaks and Judith Mountains of Central Montana. They only take four hunters per week unless a larger group is hunting together with a maximum of five. They have lived, ranched, and hunted for over 40 years on this well know property. There are several Outfitters who offer a wide range of animals. I don't have enough room to name them all. I would pick Armells though because I've heard so much about them. I guess word of mouth really is the best marketing tool.
FLYWAY
What is your favorite movie of all time?
MARROW
Hands down, Dances with Wolves! My husband (who actually resembles Kevin Costner) also has me loving a close second which is Jeremiah Johnson!
FLYWAY
I want you to become a saleswoman one more time. I have recently been thinking about trying my hand at turkey hunting. Sell me on the idea. Tell me why I should and some of the challenges they present.
MARROW
Montana has very little bag limits here, but it also depends on the location. Merriam Turkey’s is what you will find mostly up in this area. Tons of fantastic guides for turkey hunts here as well. There is another location which is not located in Montana, but I've heard great things about it. It's New Caledonia, a tropical paradise. Craig Boddington of Petersen’s hunting says it one of the best hunts in the world. You can shoot a world record Javan Rusa Stag while you are there as well. You can stay at club Mediterranean and live in luxury, swim in paradise and you can look at all the stunning French Polynesian and Melanesian girls while drinking French champagne by the pool! And if that's not enough you can hunt boars there as well.
FLYWAY
Someday I really want to fish for Rainbow Trout and I have to think that Montana would be a great place for Rainbow Trout. What are a few tips or words of wisdom you could give me when it comes to fishing for those beautiful fish? Are there special kinds of lures or bait they like to bite on? What is the secret to a successful day of Rainbow Trout fishing?
MARROW
As I'm sure you know, rainbows are known for their tasty pink flesh, beauty, and gameness. The rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It’s also the number one sought out fish in our state. It appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans, and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.
In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However, in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies. Some good flies to use to catch Rainbows is alot like with any other trout, it depends on what's hatching and which location you want to fish. I've used mayflies, wooly buggers and caddis along with small nymphs that are black or dark green in color. I haven't tried any lures as of yet, but hear that spoons and minnow plugs work very well.
FLYWAY
Describe Lindsey Marrow in one word!
MARROW
Unique
FLYWAY
Let's say someday in the future I head west for an Elk hunt and I swing by your house for dinner with your family. In an attempt to make me realize just how great Montana is you decide to make this fantastic Montana meal for me. A big game meal with all the fixings! What will you be preparing for us and leave nothing out, including desert!
MARROW
Well Dave, if you’re going Elk hunting then you need some incentive. Just like training a hunting dog, you feed him what you’re going to hunt so it gets a serious message that it has to perform to keep getting fed. So that would have to be a bacon wrapped Elk steak, cooked not too long about 120 seconds a side, in sesame seed oil, lashings of garlic and onion, rich double cream with a hint of Brandy, baked chat potatoes, (don't turn up with a Muslim girlfriend) sweet corn on the cob, a side dish of lightly roasted. Then maybe some Flathead Cherry pie for dessert and champagne if you're still standing. That way you should get a good night sleep before you get up for a fresh Montana trout breakfast straight out of the river.
FLYWAY
In closing I want to thank you for spending some time with Minnesota Flyway. If you are ever in Minnesota look us up and we will take you on a duck or goose hunt and you will be hooked for life. You may even decide to leave Montana and move to Minnesota because we have more waterfowl here! Thanks again for your time; it was a pleasure getting to know you!
MARROW
Send the ticket, I'm on my way! But it would have to be just for a visit. Provide the rod and let’s make it a photo shoot. You can buy me lunch and then I will promote the gear and the experience. Thank you Dave, it's been a real pleasure!
Minnesota Flyway would like to thank Lindsey Marrow for taking the time to answer our interview questions.
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