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SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE
Idaho's outfitters and guides are passionate about creating unique vacation experiences for all of their guests. With their ability to share with others their love for Idaho's outdoor experiences--from hunting and fishing to river rafting
and heli-skiing--it is not surprising that so many of them give of their time and talents to support those who sacrifice of themselves to serve our country. Meet some of our members and learn about the special gifts they have given in
recognition of those who serve and protect all Americans.
If your family is looking for a great outdoor vacation, look no further than Idaho's Outfitters and Guides. Our licensed outfitters and guides have been making history by providing the best in guided adventures in Idaho and the
Northwest.
Any way you look at it, Idaho's outfitters and guides can make your visit to Idaho special.
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RETURNING SOLDIERS FIND WELCOME IN IDAHO
Idaho's outfitting community recently showed its support for our soldiers in a remarkable way. "Vacations for the 116th" is a program to provide outfitted vacation opportunities as a thank you to soldiers who served in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. When Teton Valley military wife Jeanette McKinney created the "Vacations for the 116th" program, she asked Idaho's outfitters to donate to the cause. They responded in great numbers, providing 350 vacation certificates for the
returning soldiers.
To start the program, McKinney researched Idaho's outfitting community and created a list of companies throughout the state, contacting them initially by email, followed by a postal mailing. Once those letters went out, certificates for
vacations started coming in. "It was so fun opening the mail every day and finding out who had sent a certificate."
 IOGA members
Shepp Ranch Outfitters,
Tamarack Resort,
Twin Peaks Ranch, and
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch were among those who donated to "Vacations for the 116th." A former Army man himself, Mike Whitmore of Twin Peaks Ranch points out, "We thought it was a good program to allow returning soldiers some
ranch time." Lynn and Michael Demerse of Shepp Ranch agree that the decision to give time at the ranch to returning soldiers was a simple and easy one. "For us, it seemed like little enough to do."
Jessica Flynn of Tamarack Resort echoes that sentiment: "We are honored to be part of a program that showed Idaho's heroes our gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifice. We didn't think twice about participating in the program
to welcome them home and hope our contribution provided them with the opportunity to get away with their families to Tamarack for a few days of rest, relaxation, and recreation while enjoying the beauty of Idaho's Payette River Mountain
region."
At times, McKinney was truly surprised by the generosity of Idaho's outfitting community. She says one company donated 50 certificates, and that she received multiple certificates on a regular basis. One was valued at $2,600 and included
all lodging, meals and guided fishing trips. That vacation was earmarked for the soldier who sustained the most injuries in Iraq.
Says McKinney, "I really want to thank everybody who donated. They were amazing. They went above and beyond."
There are still more returning soldiers ready for some R & R. Companies who would like to donate to "Vacations for the 116th" can
email McKinney at Vaca_4_116@yahoo.com.
(Photo: Vinegar Bar boat ramp view of Salmon River Canyon courtesy of Shepp Ranch.)
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SOLDIERS SOUND OFF FOR HUNTING SEASON
 To make up for missing hunting season, soldiers serving with the Idaho National Guard in Iraq held an elk, turkey,
goose and duck calling contest. The grand prize for the contest was a 2006 full hunt donated by Scott and Shelda Farr of Wilderness Outfitters (http://www.idahowilderness.com). Here are some photos of the soldiers showing their calling
skills. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Randall K. Russell.)
For more information and a list of licensed outfitters in Idaho, please visit
www.ioga.org.
For additional information on Idaho,
call 1-800-VISIT-ID.
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Can't Get Enough Crab Quesadillas
Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters
From IOGA Recipes & Poetry Book
A great change for a Mexican night dinner in the backcountry.
1 pound crabmeat
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into strips
½ medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
½ medium yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tbs lime juice
1 package 6-inch corn tortillas
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
1/8 tsp cumin
1/3 cup plain yogurt or mayonnaise
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated (set ½ cup aside)
1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (set ½ cup aside)
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded, de-veined and finely chopped
1 tbs vegetable oil
Cooking Spray
1 bag charcoal
Light charcoal ½ hour before cooking.
In 12" to 14" Dutch oven heat the oil on medium heat (about 10 to 12 briquettes) and add the peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until translucent. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the crabmeat, cilantro, yogurt, cayenne pepper, cumin, 1 cup each of the cheeses, jalapeno pepper, and lime juice. Fold ingredients gently, so as to avoid breaking crabmeat. Equally divide pepper, onion and
garlic mixture and crabmeat mixture on each tortilla. Roll and set aside.
Wipe out Dutch oven with paper towel, spray with cooking spray. Place rolled crabmeat tortillas in Dutch oven and cover with lid. Place 14 to 16 charcoal briquettes on top and 10 to 12 briquettes on bottom. Bake in Dutch oven for 7 to
10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture. Serve with salsa, sour cream, guacamole and fresh lettuce salad.
Order your copy of the IOGA Recipes & Poetry Book from the IOGA office for just $10 plus shipping!
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OUR MISSION
IOGA is committed
to the conservation and enhancement
of quality outdoor experiences
on Idaho's lands and waters.
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Idaho's
Outfitters
and
Guides
visit
www.ioga.org or email us for your free guide to outfitted vacations in Idaho
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