GIFTS

GIFTS

Sometimes the greatest gifts you receive are the unintentional ones. I never ever thought I would own a Beagle. Then Joey came into my life. A couple of years later Joey found Ralphie emancipated in a briar patch. They are old and winding down now; but they both still have the heart they have always had. Poor Joey was down in the back and legs all summer. I had to carry him around everywhere we went. That was from May until September. He has been doing pretty well since then until this week. He has been lame in one back leg.

We stopped at a place where we normally go for walks about 52 times per year. Anything to be seen there; we have already seen. I left the camera in the truck this time; of course. We walked awhile and got to the waterhole they always get a drink from. There was a WalMart bag in the water; therefore Joey would not drink from it. He wanted to go to the river so there we went; him limping & hobbling down the steep rocky hill to the river. While he was drinking his head suddenly came up. He smelled something and they both started sniffing & snorting around. Joey insisted in heading upstream; so we went along with him.

They were trailing something as they always are on 30 foot leashes as always. Joey is limping and sniffing. Ralphie is getting hung up as always. Joey went over one log; Ralphie went under the same log, so I’m untangling again. I see Joey 25 feet ahead start over top of a BIG log and he lets out a high pitched scream. I thought that was it he either just broke his back or his hip had come out of its socket. Figured Oh, Shit. Then Ralphie bellowed and Joey was full steam ahead. I was running behind them for about 150 yards until Ralphie got tangled in the rhododendron really bad. I had to get him undone as a one point he was hanging by his neck and still bellowing and trying to go. I had to let go of Joey’s leash at that point.

I got Ralphie loose from the tangle and could still hear Joey screaming up ahead. By the time we got to Joey again..He had a 200 pound bear up a poplar tree..They screamed at the bottom of the tree and Joey yes, crippled up joey was climbing 6 feet up the tree with every attempt.. They got tired and couldn’t bark any more and we went limping & hobbling back to the truck. The chase only lasted about 300 yards before Joey treed him!! I looked back when we were about halfway to the truck and saw the bear cross the road and head to higher ground. The photo is from when we got back to the truck, They don't appear to be any worse off than when we started out & I'm the only one bleeding! So all is good.

Yep, some gifts you do not plan on ever getting..But, they happen anyway..Merry Christmas..

THE SEASON OF THANKS

THE SEASON OF THANKS

Wow, it’s November already. Where did the year go? We have all been busy preparing for winter since April when the ramps popped up haven’t we? It seems to me that all we get done during the year is prepare for winter and try to make it through winter. Yes, the year flies by when you are busy. The freezers and cellars should all be brimming by now. I know the only room I have left is for meat and I need meat. That is what November is for. It’s time to head to the big grocery store on the mountain; before winter sets in.

I have always felt that the greatest time to be in the outdoors is November and May. The other months are just fillers with not much to offer. I am thankful that there are still a few places left that we can find solitude in. These places dwindle every year; but I’m glad a few still exist. I sure am thankful that we got that week of turkey season back that leads into deer firearms season. I was kind of lost without that one. It just didn’t feel right doing serious deer scouting without carrying my shotgun. It just felt weird. I put my requests in for time off this month. I sure am thankful that I can do that after all of the years of hunting and pecking for time in the woods. I got the usual “Oh, you really like to deer hunt “while I am thinking I hate to deer hunt because it is boring. I like to eat venison and that’s how you get it.

I am thankful that I am still physically able to venture off into some pretty rough country and get the meat back to my truck. I’m very thankful for that and a big plus this year is that I’m going into the season a lot lighter than over the last twenty years or so; about forty pounds is missing. That alone should make everything a bit easier and more enjoyable. I know that if I ever get to the point where I would have to sit in a box and stare at a corn pile; I would never go again. I’m also thankful that I own wool and not that fancy hi-tech stuff that you can hear a branch slap from a hundred yards away. I’m also thankful that I remembered to load some ammo two months before season and not at the last minute. I was down to 3 bullets.

Yes, I am thankful for many things but one of the biggest things is my ability to hunt, gather, catch and grow things to meet my needs. I think that is something to be proud of. The Thanksgiving season is a time to think and be thankful for what we have and what we have the ability to do. We need to be thankful for all of the veterans who have served and are serving this nation. We need to be thankful for all we have and all we have the freedom to do. If nothing else; just be thankful that it isn’t January yet. But be thankful for something. I know I am thankful that I will not be eating a butterball.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 (c) 2017 High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c)2016 High Virginia Images All Rights reserved

CONSUMPTION

CONSUMPTION

Do you remember back when people actually sat down and read books? How about way back in the days when there was something fit to watch on TV? If you can remember those days of the past; you will remember that a common cause of death for the pioneers of our country was listed as consumption. Yeah, that dreadful disease is now known by another name now. We all know what that is.

It has been a bountiful year and a pleasant summer; other than a couple of hot weeks early on. I look at the cellar and smile. Plenty is stored away for the upcoming months. The freezer soon will be filled with venison and we will not have to think about procuring any food until the ramps pop up in the spring. Yep, it will be good eating all winter long and we all know that winter is long. Too long.

I really enjoy the month of October. It is wind-down time and the crowds are gone. One can actually enjoy the streams and woods without tripping over others. It is just a nice period of time to be in the mountains as the colors dwindle and the leaves fall. The chores are done and it is time to relax and recharge. Yes, when the rye is sown and the garlic is in the ground it’s time to head to the woods and see what you can find. I tend to spend a lot more time looking at potential new deer hunting spots than I do actually hunting. It seems as if every time I find a productive spot; they either cut down all of the trees or decide to build a road in that spot. Therefore; I normally spend a good amount of October walking and thinking. Searching may be a better definition. I like to search. It is a good activity for a wandering mind.

Wandering, wondering and thinking just seem like the right things to do. I wonder why I see fewer gardens every year. I think back and try to remember the last time I actually saw anyone squirrel hunting. I guess it easier to drive through and get some chicken nuggets from something that once resembled a chicken. Just yesterday, I saw someone with tomatoes bought from Biggy Mart. I wonder why when I’m positive that person drove by a half dozen real produce stands. It’s just easier, I guess. Never better but less trouble.

Producers dwindle and consumers grow. We have become a nation of consumers obsessed with the easiest way to get something while expending the least amount of effort. Quality no longer seems to take priority. I do not understand the reasoning but that is the way it seems to be. I would take a quart of canned whole tomatoes over a bushel of rock hard flavorless ones any day. I just like to know where my food came from and know what it looked like. The same thing goes with meat. I like to cut up my own meat. I hear so many that say it is too much to trouble butcher their own deer. I would rather cut up deer than sit on a deer stand and wait on one to show up.

I’m afraid that consumption will eventually consume a nation.

(c)2017 High Virginia Outdoors Photos (c) High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

What Critter Are You?

What Critter Are You?

Have you ever messed around with one of those silly sites on Facebook? You know; the ones that tell you who your soulmate is and what your friends will do when you die, stuff like that. Yes you have. Don’t lie. You know you can find out all kinds of important stuff on those sites. I fiddled around one not long ago. It was something like what animal are you. I got a tiger or a grizzly bear or something; I don’t really remember. It doesn’t make any difference; but it got me thinking. I do that one occasion actually I’ve been doing it quite often. I started contemplating what organism out there in the real world is closest to my feelings.

I came up with a Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Now I want you to know right now that we aren’t talking about those flabby, mushy, yellow fleshed things that come off the fish trucks. You know the ones that regurgitate corn or spit out a gob of play dough when you catch them. Nope, definitely not those. I hate those slimy things. I’m talking about real brook trout; the ones that were here before the forests were first ravaged, before numerous streams could no longer support any aquatic life. Yes, the real natives of Appalachia. The hardy survivors. Sadly, not the thrivers. Sometimes all we can do is just hold on.

The species has weathered a lot of turmoil. Just think back to what they have endured over a very short time in the grand scheme of things. Let’s just go back 200 years. Just think about it thousands and thousands of acres devoid of trees so humans could build cities. The trees were all gone; so what shaded the cold waters that they needed to survive? Nothing. But, they managed to hold on. Can you imagine what they thought (if fish can think) when dams full of logs were sent downstream to the mills? Imagine the impact to the streambed with millions of board feet of timber crashing downstream. Just think after they made it through that and things calmed down for a little while; the rains came. Yes, nothing on the mountain to hold anything back. Imagine the sediment clogging your gills for days and days. But, still some survived. Many did not.

They had to leave the larger waters and head into smaller, cooler tributaries when the larger, now scoured streams became too warm for survival. They could no longer grow to their normal size since they were now isolated in smaller, less fertile waters. The food was no longer available in these nearly sterile environments. It was now just a struggle to be lucky enough for a morsel of food to drift by. But, they managed to hold on. Then the orange water comes isolating them even more. They move farther and farther up the tributaries just to survive; often confined to just several hundred yards of stream. They have no choice and there is no way out. There’s nowhere for them to go.

Yes, I can definitely relate to the poor old Brook Trout.; except for the lack of food situation. I can always produce food unlike them. But, here we both are; making the best out of a bad situation and holding on. For how long? Who knows?

This is my April 2017 article for Two-Lane Livin (c)2017 High Virginia Outdoors ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

AIMLESSLY WANDERING

Wilson's Snipe

Well, once again we have survived January. Time for things to brighten up a bit. Before you know it; honey bees will be crawling over the Pussy willow catkins and crocus will pop from the snow. Yes, soon. Not quite yet; but soon. It will not be long before some trout will be going from near freezing water and in to the freezer. Yep, it will not be long. At least not as long as it has been.

We all know that it definitely isn’t a good idea to wander through life without any purpose. On the other hand it can be a good thing to do just a little bit every day. Our structured world doesn’t usually give us much free time. We need to take advantage of the time we are given. Wandering around a little bit every day without any worries can be very productive. We just need to allow ourselves to do it when the opportunity arises.

Have you ever taken time to notice that brown clump over there in the grass that seems to be out of place? Hmm, it seemed to move a little. Maybe you are just seeing things. The wind blows and it doesn’t move when the leaves around it does. Oh, it’s just a brown clump of something. Ever think about taking a closer look? Nah, too much trouble. Wonder why that blade of grass is moving back and forth while the ones surrounding it aren’t. Take a few aimless moments and go see. Its OK nobody will care. What is making those ripples in the water? You will never know unless you go look. It might be something good.

Some people work very hard all year so they can go to the store and buy food. Others work very hard all year long so they don’t have to go to the store and buy food. Neither are wrong; they just have different views about life. We are all in this together and we need to get along. Neither group will ever change. Nor is there any need to do so. None of us are ever going to be rich and we are all going to die. We need to take those precious aimless moments to make our lives more enjoyable. You’ll be glad you did; in the end.

Take the time to ride down that road you have never been down before. You might just find something good or you might just tear your fender off; like I did. But, you will never know unless you go. Find a quiet spot on your break and just sit and stare (not a your phone) you never know. You might just see something good. Learn to look and actually see, learn to listen and actually hear you will feel some fulfillment creeping in. You will become more aware of the real world. You will feel better and be happier, too. I can guarantee that.

The next time you have nothing to do try doing nothing but staring at your surroundings. You will see things that you didn’t know existed. You will find things that you would never have found if you take the time to do a little wandering without a purpose. I know I have.

This is my article for the February 2017 edition of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2017 High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Flexible Flyers & Shotgun Shells

Flexible Flyers & Shotgun Shells

I’m just sitting around thinking back to the times when trucks had gear shifts and roll up windows. Yes, you cranked the window up and down manually with your own power. You could even break the window loose from an icy grip; or break the window crank. How about actual brass keys? Remember them? See you’re not that old. Flexible Flyers now may be a little different. That is something that popped into my head today. Things tend to do that.

I do not know if they are still made. I doubt it. Metal runner sleds that you could steer a little and had no braking methods seem a bit risky for these times. Sand those runners off and rub some paraffin wax on and see how fast you could go. Down the middle of the road!! Yeah, not anymore. Remember those waffled cotton insulated” underwear? I sure hope you don’t still have some of those atrocious things stuck in a drawer somewhere. Take those frozen pants off and stand them in the corner beside the wood stove. Yep, frozen up to your zipper. Stand on their own; until they melted into a soggy clump. Fun wasn’t it?

Have you ever gotten a box of shotgun shells under the Christmas tree? Can you smell the aroma of a freshly opened box? I liked the Peters True Blues. I think they smelled the best. They were pretty, too. How about a Model 37 to go with the shells? Bringing back any memories? That is what the Christmas Season is all about. It was a time when families made their own decorations. We hadn’t even heard of Sri Lanka, yet.

Take a few moments to reflect back in time. Just think about the trouble your parents and grandparents went through to get you something special. They had to either search or create. There was no one-click shopping. Yes, times have changed and it has been a quick process in the grand scheme of things. I’m really not sure that it is for the better, either. We shall see.

There are two things that cannot be taken away from us. Those are memories and knowledge/. These are also two things that can be shared and passed on without any expense. Think for a few seconds and you will come up with something that you are glad you know today that was a gift given to you by someone you thought was being facetious at the time. Probably made you mad, too. Aren’t you glad they spent those few seconds on you?

We have all acquired knowledge over time. Things are stored somewhere on our heads. We can help and learn from everyone around us. Sharing knowledge freely to create memories for others seems to me as if it is something we all should be doing. The problem with our busy world that consumes us is that we don’t think we have time for the simple things in life. You do have the time if you take it and you will be glad you did. Give the gift of knowledge and create some memories; enjoy the simple things, slow down and live. Merry Christmas

This is my December 2016 Article for Two-lane Livin (c)2016 High Virginia Outdoors

Photo (C) High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

Stocking Up and Winding Down

Stocking Up and Winding Down

The eleventh month has arrived. Did the year fly by? I think not. I cannot remember a summer so grueling. I am glad November is here. The cellar is full; quarts and pints aligned in rows. Gallons of water take up empty spaces. Nothing to worry about in there. Peppers were all I had to buy. Never have had a pepper failure; not sure what happened. Everything else did well, the wood shed is full and the first ton of wood pellets is stacked by the stove. Winter rye greens the garden and the garlic is happily buried under a layer of straw. Several layers of goodness. are stacked on freezer shelves. The empty space awaits the final addition. Yes, it is now venison time.

Thanksgiving to me means giving thanks for all of the bounty you have received from the earth due to your own labors. The meal is comprised of products of the gardens, fields and streams. I just believe that is the way it is meant to be. I cannot imagine chewing on a store bought turkey. It just doesn’t seem right. I know that I spent last Thanksgiving morning butchering deer and filling that dreaded empty space in the freezer. That kind of felt just right for the occasion. Everything worked out for a change and I had enough procured by then. That doesn’t happen often, but the way the weather set in after that; I’m glad it worked out that way.

I do not enjoy deer hunting one little bit. I enjoy eating venison; therefore I go. I was never one to worry about giant racks, never did care. I go deer hunting for one reason. That reason is to get the deer meat I NEED to get to next November. It used to be easier to do when I archery hunted, too. But, that was long ago. Nowadays I need to get done as fast as I can, before the totally miserable weather sets in. This may be a shocker to some, but today I just officially took of the first week of gun season. That will be the first opening week I have been off since high school and that was a long time ago. Do I worry about getting some venison? No. I worry about getting enough so I do not have to ration throughout the year, Having a whole week worry free should speed up the process. We will see.

Like it or not; it is a fact that we have become a nation of consumers dependent upon others for our survival. That is not the way it was meant to be. The scariest thing to me is that we are dependent on other nations to supply our daily needs. Think about it, really sit a think. It is scary. We depend on other countries which do not even like us to supply our needs. It has been a gradual process but it has engulfed us now.. What happened? It was the easy way out. That is what happened. When was the last time you fixed yourself a piece of toast and spread real butter on it?

We need to think about the meaning of Thanksgiving, not what we can easily run to the supermarket and buy. We need to become more reliant upon ourselves and our true neighbors. Start small; quit buying your eggs from the supermarket. Buy them from someone who actually feeds their chickens. It will not hurt at all and you will have better eggs. Happy Thanksgiving.

This is my November 2016 article for Two-Lane Livin..(c) 2016 High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c) High Virginia Images...All Rights Reserved

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

I can’t believe I started with that. But it is fitting. Long ago when I could stand to listen to the radio; The Who and Queen were two of my quickest channel changers. Now that Shania is appearing on Classic Country stations; I am pretty much radio free America. I learned a long time ago that if you don’t like what you are hearing; you don’t have to listen.

Really, who are you? I know what many of you are thinking right now. Why I am a __. That isn’t what I mean. I’m not referring to what you do to eke out a living. Everyone has to do that; although some find a way not to. I mean who are you in reality? What do you enjoy doing? What do you sit and daydream about while eking? What do you do for relaxing and relieving stress? What do you find interesting?

We were not built to quit learning once we walk out of whatever we graduated from. I know many who quit right at that point. They quickly settled into a routine that they will never leave and they think that is the way it works; forever. I really feel sorry for them. You have heard the saying many times that you learn something new every day “you should. It isn’t really that hard.

Have you ever actually taken the effort to find out what that funny looking bug crawling on your milkweed plant is? The resources are there for all to use. It isn’t really that hard to find the right answers anymore. The only requirement needed is a little effort put forth. First you find a closely matching photo and go from there. Inquiring minds will not stop at just a name. They will wander to native or introduced and then to life cycles and habitat. Before you know it; you just learned something new today! Keep on going.

My mind tends to wander from day to day and season to season. Primarily it functions in two stages. Getting ready for winter and getting through winter. Producing and procuring food is pretty much number one. I always have something else going on too. I need to do something other than eke and watch tomatoes get ripe. That is where birds, bugs, damselflies and wildflowers come in handy. There is always something out there that you have never taken time to identify and learn about. You don’t have to go far.

Some believe that the outdoors is only hunting and fishing. That is so untrue. Besides hunting and fishing have seasons and limits. I need to do something interesting every single day that doesn’t cost much of anything. How about you? Recreation does not have to cost, neither does learning. I’m old and I have stuff to make alone time more enjoyable, It was all acquired over time and really as the big picture goes was not that expensive due to the enjoyment it has given.

The photo with this article is the stuff I had behind my truck seat on June 10. That is my stuff. Let’s face it we are all just getting older and poorer. So who are you? I guess I am a real outdoorsman and life-long learner.

This is my August 2016 article for Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2016 High Virginia Outdoors  Photo (c) 2016 High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SUMMER FUN?

SUMMER FUN?

I had a lot of fun when I was young but was sent off to prison when I was about six. I never enjoyed summertime much after that time. I always knew in the back of my mind that summer would pass and I’d soon be locked up for another eight months. My bright spot was wearing out Golden Guides, catching crawdads & salamanders and damming up the crick. Summer vacation soon passed away. It was back to staring out the windows time/ Hard Time.

I just returned from a dog walk on the lower Shavers Fork, near Bowden. I call it tin can alley. Campers parked alongside each other; hundreds on them. I cannot imagine why people would want to leave one city just to go sit in another one. The two biggest campgrounds were absolutely crawling with people. I don’t quite understand why you need a fire when it is 85 degrees, either. Must be fun.

Fun to me doesn’t require spending money. I drive all week therefore I sure don’t travel more than a few miles if I don’t have to. I’m old, I’ve already seen it .Buying gas isn’t fun. You can’t drive down a country road anymore without someone riding on your bumper. There isn’t any wonder that people do not see anything anymore. They are in too big of a hurry.

I guess I could charge an expensive trip for a vacation to somewhere I’ve never been and work all the rest of the year to pay it off. That doesn’t sound like much fun, either. I worked at a place a few years ago that closes down the first week of July every year. That would be one of my last choices for a week off. I think the most exciting thing I did was change brakes on my truck.

I’ve gotten to the point where I actually have to make myself go fishing. I’m fine once I get there but some become bored with the whole process. Biting flies, mosquitoes and gnats stuck in your sweat isn’t much fun. Plus, the cost of gas and ice takes away from the enjoyment. It seems as if anything interesting to do is a sixty or seventy mile round trip. I guess I just can’t enjoy my time away when I know there is grass to mow, tomatoes to tie and critters to feed. Have you ever taken the time to read the WV Fish Consumption Advisories? You should.

I do make the attempt to take an hour out of every day for enjoyment. It is my shutdown time and I have become very adept at finding interesting things. I may steal that time with walking the dogs or it may be somewhere alongside the road. No matter where it is it is cherished time. It doesn’t cost a thing and it helps maintain sanity.

There are many things out there to discover for everyone. The only requirement to participate is a little bit of free time. I can just tie the dogs off to a tree and go sit along a ditch. You would be amazed at the lifeforms you can see in just a small location. Just sit and stare. Dragonflies, damsels, butterflies abound and you never know what bird may appear. To me that is fun and free. Try it, you might like it.

This is my July 2016 article for Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2016 High Virginia Outdoors. Photos (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tis the Season

Tis the Season

September is the month that traditionally ushers in hunting seasons in most of this country. September 1 has just about always meant the opening of dove season and the beginning of hunting season in general. I was born on that date, too. Maybe that was destiny, maybe not but it seemed appropriate for many years. I never was much on dove hunting but I was always out there somewhere during the month either with a bow or stalking the squirrel woods. My destination was usually somewhere in Virginia or Maryland. I followed the seasons from September until I pulled my water traps on February 28. I had that drive and had to be out there through the seasons. There were a couple of weeks to fish a little before it was time to head south for turkeys. But, it was a constant drive that never let up.

West Virginia didn’t use to have much to offer hunters as far as seasons go in September. I believe it was pretty much doves and maybe an early waterfowl season for many years. Things have changed over the years. We now have archery season for deer, bear and wild boar plus an early gun bear season in selected counties. Squirrel season opens on the 12^th and migratory bird seasons open during the month. There are plenty of things for the WV hunters to get ready and look forward to. I know I will be out there every day in search of the elusive Chicken of the Woods.

Things change and people change. I know that as I got older and gas prices got higher I slowed recreational travel almost to a dead stop. Travelling out of state to hunt ended for me; as did those hundred mile trap lines. It just was not feasible. I never thought that I would quit doing all of those things that were pretty much seasonal every day routines. They were my way of life; that is what I did and I did it for a long time. Nope, you never think you will give up doing things that you think you love to do. But, things change.

Sometimes, we get smarter as we get older. I for one never lost that drive I had to become a successful and consistent hunter and trapper. I just learned to channel that drive into other things. I imagine that I now hunt about 360 days per year and I enjoy it immensely. I am now out there on a daily basis usually not more than one or two hours hunting and looking. I find that very rewarding and I find lots of good stuff. I may be pursuing birds, butterflies or fungi; rarely is it planned. I may be out there just hunting a little quiet or the sound of flowing water. My senses are as sharp as or sharper than ever. I am able to stay tuned in throughout the year.

Yes, I still hunt some and I have all of the venison and turkey I need in the freezer. But, hunting season to me is just like gardening season. When it is time to harvest your crop, go do it, get it done and go right on to the next thing in line. It is always hunting season for me.

This is my article for the September 2015 issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2015 High Virginia Outdoors  Photo (c)1982 High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

DOLDRUMS

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

DOLDRUMS

It is no secret that I enjoy August just about the same as January. Hot, humid and boring is about the same as cold, snowy and boring. When July turns into August we have pretty much figured out what the gardens production for the season will be. It may be good, bad or just plain out ugly; there isn’t much we can control by this point. There is one bright point though; mine probably cannot be as bad as it was last year. I cannot even look forward to fall color around here this year. There isn’t much left around these parts except for yellow poplars and they are already brown from the bumper crop of yellow poplar weevils.

Long, long ago this was my month for dying and waxing traps, shooting the bow and preparing for hunting and trapping seasons. If you asked me 30 years ago if I thought I was still going to be doing all of those things in thirty years; the answer would have been yes. Times change and we change (some of us anyway) I haven’t even held a bow in my hand in about twenty five years. I cringe at the thought of sending a piece of fur to China. I no longer hunt for sport or as a recreation. I have Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys in the freezer. I need 2 deer in the freezer; 3 make it better with less rationing. I really do not start thinking about deer hunting until the week before opening day of gun season; no need to. I do not use all of the gadgets and gimmicks; so there is nothing to buy. I loaded enough ammo last winter to get me through several seasons. Yep, I have nothing to prepare for. I’ve been preparing for winter since April. .Beans and tomatoes that is all that is left to do until I’m cutting up venison.

I can feel it running through your mind right now; he is depressed. Nope, just realistic. I can always find something interesting to do to fight the doldrums. There is always something to see and discover, Last August, I finally opened my eyes to the wonderful world of dragonflies and damselflies. Sadly; I had never paid much attention to them before. Yeah, like you I noticed the big ones and the small ones and thought that was it. I was sadly mistaken and the variety is amazing. There are 336 species in the East. One hundred forty four species are known to WV and One hundred thirty-three of those species have been documented in the state since 1995. That is a bunch of colorful critters to go out and look for. The big ones are fairly easy to identify. Some are like a fine hair with wings and a challenge they are.

I have come to the realization that there is plenty of stuff out there to observe and learn, Between the birds, butterflies and dragonflies I will have plenty to hunt until after the first good freeze; anyway. I’m never bored. I just don’t do the stuff I used to do. I changed because I want to be out there hunting every day and I do. No doldrums, here. Too much to see.

This is my article for the August 2015 issue of Two-lane Livin. Note that a few words were changed from the printed published version. It was nobody's fault that one sentence didn't make any sense.The article was printed just as I sent it but sometimes in cyber-world things just get jumbled. 

(c) High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c) 2015 High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LEARNING STUFF

LEARNING STUFF

If you were to look back on life and attempt to categorize things that you actually know a whole bunch about; I imagine the things that top out your list are things you learned by doing. It is all right to sit in a classroom and learn from one who tells you what they have read and studied. The best lessons come from doing and experiencing. Knowledge comes from living. I would bet that several things you now know are things that you never set out to learn. I know people who quit learning the day they walked out of whatever formal school they last attended. I feel sorry for them. Life happens; take advantage of your opportunities to improve upon your understanding of the world.

The last week of June and first week of July was coal miner vacation when I was young. That week in June meant it was time for camping and fishing. It was the best week of the year for me. The destination was usually the West Fork of the Greenbrier. The whole family and often a friend or two went. Vehicles were loaded with provisions and that big smelly canvas tent. The majority of everyday was spent fishing. We didn’t know back then that since the river hadn’t been stocked in over a month that it wasn’t worth fishing. We caught fish, too. Lots of fish. That was about the time I began to notice how fish fed in the summer heat. I noticed fish feeding on the surface, sipping insects. I noticed that the most activity was in the shade. We still caught trout on salmon eggs and night crawlers but it wasn’t steady or consistent.  Presentations were often overlooked by noticeably feeding fish. I knew there was a better method; but wasn’t sure of what it was.

Then it happened. My granddad gave me a 7 weight fiberglass fly rod with one of those clunky automatic reels. I don’t remember how long I frothed up the water catching chubs and dace on a Royal Coachmen but it was a while before the first trout. I do know that first trout was a 10 inch brown from a coffee colored, flooded Elk River. I bought flies at every opportunity, things that looked buggy or maybe just caught my eye. I started really paying attention to streamside insects and started catching fish. I learned that from May until autumn you it would be in your best interest to be fishing with a fly. Now, back to a summer week on the West Fork;

I noticed thousands of tiny black mayflies one morning while fishing. They were thick on the grasses and in the spider webs. Fish could be seen feeding but no trout could be caught. Tricorythodes (Tricos) were unknown and never heard of by me but I dug around in my fly collection and found a size 20 Black Gnat. The fishing trip was saved from then on. I had a grand total of 2 tiny flies; the other was a size 22 white midge. I used the black fly when I could see it and the white one at dusk and dawn. It worked for me and we ate trout all week. Yes, I do know now that Tricos are dark olive. The ability to learn cannot be taken away; unless you allow it to.

This is my article for the June 22015 issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c)High Virginia Outdoors  Photos (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FEELING LIKE A MONARCH

October. Hearing this word immediately puts visions in my head. I can see the changing leaves falling to the ground; asters and goldenrod swaying in the breeze. I can feel the frosty morning and see the monarchs flutter in the sky during their long southward migration. Monarchs are now pretty scarce these days. Most of us know why and I’m not going to go into the reasons again. Nowadays, most of us have been able to count these once common butterflies that we have seen during the summer on one hand. Things change and often these changes are unexpected and beyond our control. Sometimes change is good; other times it is not.

I can watch the road through town and see that hunting season is near. Pickups and 4-wheelers loaded with corn are now the norm. The anticipation of squirrel season is now gone, too. The woods are silent. I guess squirrels aren’t cool, anymore. Fall turkey season has become a thing for a few dinosaurs and opportunists. Things change. Archery season is now the king of autumn. The only October season I look forward to now; is the late-October antlerless season. I always hope to get one in the freezer at this time. Success during this time will hopefully mean one less day spent in the sub-zero barren deer woods later on.

I really cannot seem to grasp the fascination people have with gadgets. I am amazed every time I make myself go into a store. I cannot believe the people wandering around, oblivious to anything around them except for their stupid phones. They will walk right into you clueless and sad. The same can be said about all of the hunting gadgets out there. I have never owned a trail camera, deer feeder, walkie-talkie, GPS or a 4-wheeler.I’ve never had any use or desire for any of these. But, for so many these are necessary pieces of hunting equipment. I often wonder why more time isn’t spent learning the animal, its habits and the habitat it lives in; instead of relying on technology to fill the freezer. I just cannot seem to understand the thought process. Why do you want to sit and stare at pictures of deer taken at 4am? I just don’t get it.

I always know that when the cold winds blow and I look back at 2014 I will have just as much meat in the freezer as anyone else. The thing that makes me glow is the fact that I spent a whole lot less time, money and fuel to get it. Yes, maybe change is good but maybe we should try to good back to our roots and make life more productive and rewarding.

Yes, sometimes I tend to feel like that old tattered monarch desperately headed south, trying to make the best out of a bad situation just to survive. I think sometimes that some of us have actually evolved to the point that we don’t need gadgets to survive. We have learned through trial and error how to make it on our own; on our own terms. That is a good feeling. I still hope; as the monarch does that things will get better, but my mind knows it probably will not.

This is my article in the October Print Edition of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c) High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

DEFINITIONS

Oyster Mushrooms (c) 2012 HVI

I became aware of a couple new words in the past few months and thought that they could be appropriately shared here. Most new words I hear a derived either from the rampant drug culture or are made up in TV land. They don’t really matter much in the real world. First up is nemophily: the love of woodland scenery. The other is nemophillist: one who is fond of the forest; a haunter of the woods. I like those words. The forest is getting harder and harder to find in this area. Thankfully we have the Monongahela National Forest, State Forests and a few WMA’s. The large tracts of private land have become barren wastelands over the last couple of decades.

Self-imposed titles often do not mean the same thing to others as they mean to you. I do believe that we should give more thought to what we call ourselves and others. What is a mushroom hunter? I don’t know how many “mushroom hunters” I have run into over the years that have turned into morel hunters. To me, if you hunt morels for a couple of weeks in the spring; you are a morel hunter. A mushroom hunter would be someone who knows various species, knows when these species can normally be found and pursues mushrooms from spring until fall. The morel hunter could easily become a mushroom hunter if they wanted to. Who knows, the person they were just talking to may have been the one who could have provided help and enlightened them to more opportunities; if they would have only known. Personally, I would be mushroom poor if I only relied on morels for my fungi fix.

I would bet that you think of your neighbor who deer hunts a couple of days every year and spends the rest of his time watching hunting shows on TV as being an outdoorsman. I would beg to differ from that opinion. To me, the title of outdoorsman, woman or person belongs to one who has pursued various outdoor interests 365 days a year and has accumulated a vast knowledge base over that time period. My definition of outdoorsman would be the requirement to have knowledge in many fields. A true outdoorsman should be able to show you the difference between a Northern Red Oak and a Scarlet Oak. They would also know that the base of a Southern Red Oak leaf is shaped like a bell; as in “southern belle”. They follow the natural world through the year; each season brings new interests in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

He or she can show you the difference between song and fox sparrows can dig a perfect elbow set for mink and spot a gimmick from a mile away. They know the effects of wind and sun have on game animals and can grow a really nice garden. Our outdoorsman can read the current and visualize what is happening underwater. They have a vast knowledge of many things although they are not a certified expert at anything. But, the expert could probably learn a few new things. I would also be willing to bet that our outdoorsman is one of the other new words that has recently emerged. Yep they are probably a locavore, too. 

(c) 2011 HVI

This is MY column for the February 2014 print edition of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors ALL PHOTOS (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE GIFT

Buttonbush (c) 2013 HVI

People who choose to go through life with blinders on make me sad. I see so many who wander throughout our world like a train in a tunnel; staring straight ahead. Go, go, and go as fast as you can.  Hurry up, you have to be here and you have to be there. No time to stop, just go. You would be amazed at the things you fail to see. Slow down and just take a few moments out of your day to observe the little things that you are passing by.

I’m the one you see out there on the road trying to find someplace to turn around; so I can go back at look at something. Most of the time, it isn't anything of note. But, sometimes it is. Those are the good days. The skill of observation cannot be taught. It must be acquired over a long period of time and like anything of importance; it takes dedication. Unlike most things though; it doesn't cost you a thing. Nope, you don’t have to spend one little dime. The payoff is high and the cost is none. It makes you feel good when you find something new. What more could you ask for?

Have you ever found anything that has never been seen or recorded in your county or region? I have, quite a few times. Was I out there specifically looking for it? No, it was there at the same time I was and I saw it. Nothing has ever been in some exotic, hard to reach destination. Most of my good discoveries have been at some wide-spot in the road; while my dogs were peeing. You do not need one of those funny shirts with all of those empty pockets and a pith helmet to find stuff; as you would be lead to believe on TV. The only things you need are your eyes and the desire to learn. Learning in the outdoor world is a lifetime process. The ability to observe is the critical component in learning.

Now, you are thinking that maybe you’ll give it a try this spring. It is winter now, the landscape is barren and there is nothing out there to see. Nothing could be further from the truth. Go out to that overgrown weedy ditch-line beside your driveway and see just how many kinds of little brown birds you can identify. You will be surprised at the number of species you will encounter. Check out your local pond or lake after every winter storm, uncommon waterfowl species show up every year. Nobody ever knows they are there; unless someone sees them. It could be you.

If everyone would make the effort to give a gift that lasts a lifetime; our world will be a better place. Nature is a gift for all to enjoy. Encourage someone close to you to find the powers of observation. If not, cast the spell upon yourself and say Merry Christmas.

This is my article that first appeared in the December print edition of Two-Lane Livin 

(c) 2013 All Rights Reserved Photo (c) 2013 High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved.

REFLECTING

Least Sandpiper (c) 2013 HVI

We made it through another one. Some are making resolutions; knowing that they will not follow through. I would rather reflect and change some things. The spinning wheel is getting kind of old. We are all guilty of the over and over process. January is the time when we are waiting on spring. We wait and wait for the thaw. It arrives and we will run out and plant our lettuce, onions and peas. Then, the rains come. We get a couple of pleasant weeks, then it gets hot and we are waiting for autumn. Soon the snow will again be falling. Over and over; here we go again.

I've heard of some who can sit and watch the same movie over and over. Myself, if I've seen it once; that’s enough. Time is too precious to waste. You will realize this as you get older and wiser. New places are exciting to find and interesting to explore. I got to enjoy my most pleasant deer season, ever. Why? I found a new and interesting location; that apparently has yet to be found by others. I don’t know how many years I’ll get to utilize this spot. Something always happens to my good places. How did I find it? I found it because I am always looking for somewhere else. Sometimes I am rewarded. I actually found this location 3 years ago. I just never was able to go during deer season. I had the time in 2012 and was able to take advantage of the opportunity. I’m glad I did. I've pretty much been stuck hunting the same location for the last twelve years and I was sick of it after two.

Looking back at 2012; there weren't many high points or low points. It was pretty much the same old stuff as the same time as in previous years. Very predictable we get. Quick, what are you going to be doing on May 25? I’ll be planting tomatoes and trout heads. Yep, each tomato goes in on a fish head and a handful of compost. I’ll probably be dragging out the air conditioner at about that time, too. Every year is the same, except that we are a year older. Maybe not wiser; but guaranteed to be older.

I could easily sit here and write that I’m going to do this and that. I know that some of those statements will become true, but many will not. Dreaming and doing are two very different things. I prefer to search, explore and take advantage of the opportunities that arrive. Who knows what the future will bring? We all know the past. Pretty boring, wasn't it? The old routine will always be the same old things. New discoveries will always bring a sparkle to your eye and a little spring in your step. Yes, it is January and it is a long time until spring. Spring is good; it’s always something to look forward to; especially on a cold winter day. Happy New Year, but do something new.

This article first appeared in the January print edition of Two-Lane Livin (c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors All Rights Reserved. Photo (c) 2013 High Virginia Images

What Did You Learn; This Week ?

Golden Stonefly

I learned that I apparently didn't know how to spell cemetery.  Cemetary looked right to me and I never thought of questioning the spelling.  I had to go back and change photo keywords and titles.  Luckily, with eBird, the process could be done with a single edit.  Still, the process of changing to the proper spelling took some time.

This just shows the need of keeping a dictionary handy for reference.  We can mess up simple things and not be aware of our mistakes.  One other important item to keep with the dictionary; for most of us, is the magnifying glass.  We also should beware of local signage, the one over on the hill from my house says cementary.

INTEGRITY

Many of you have asked; why I do not submit more articles to various publications. This article may help you understand my feelings about this subject.




I can vividly remember the monthly anticipation of receiving my magazine subscriptions . That was during a period of time; when there was something at the post office, other than bills. I always subscribed to the big three: Field and Stream, Outdoor Life and Sports Afield. Organizational publications were also highly anticipated. Each issue was read cover to cover, upon arrival. I hunted, fished and trapped every day, or was thinking about doing so. I dreamed of becoming an outdoor writer.
 
QUESTIONS


Outdoor knowledge and woodsmanship, are abilities which require time and effort to develop. My skills grew and knowledge developed. I began to question some of the things that were being printed. I began to realize that the same facts and fallacies were being used over and over.

I was working in a sporting goods store, with a large magazine selection. I was exposed to everything that was being published , on a regular basis. A few thing that every outdoorsman should know, are that you can never call a turkey down-hill or across water and always remember that the musky is the fish of 10,000 casts. Store employee boredom became unbearable. It was time to move on. I quit and drove to the Eastern Outdoor Sports Show in Harrisburg, PA. I went job hunting.

SOUTHBOUND


I got a job, as a turkey hunting guide at White Oak Plantation, near Tuskegee, AL. Life had just gotten a lot better. The first writer that I remember being exposed to at that time was J. Wayne Fears. I was quite impressed. His knowledge and skills were immediately evident. He showed all of the qualities that I had expected. He was real and as they would say in Alabama, “ He knew how to act right”.

Sadly, things began going downhill. Shortly thereafter, I noticed the guest list for an upcoming hunt. On the list was a writer who’s work I really enjoyed, I couldn’t wait for his arrival. What a major disappointment; as soon as he walked into the room, it was obvious that “This fellow ain’t right”. He showed absolutely no outdoor ability and was clearly, “a bit touched in the head”. Yes, he is still writing, 25 years later. By the time deer season had finished, my thoughts on outdoor writing had been demolished. I had dubbed writers “the parasite pack“.

Don’t get the wrong idea yet. I crossed paths with some fine people, who made there living in the outdoor writing profession. The problem was that for every writer who was a joy to be around and did what they said they would do, there were six more taking up space. I quickly learned that if, for example: Jim Spencer, Dr. David Samuel or Jay Langston, said that something happened, it was true. I also learned to avoid the ones that walked around saying, “I can make you famous”.

I believe that my main turn-off for the profession was the photography sessions. I’m glad that I was able to witness these photo shoots, because I would never have believed how bad it was. I was really disgusted when a couple of writers would procure a buck from the meat cooler for photos. These writers would never have anything to do with the harvesting of this fine buck, but they would be smiling over it in magazines for years to come. They were always careful to get as many different poses and backgrounds as possible. They also were sure to use various types of weapons for the photo sessions.

My reading of outdoor magazines soon became minimal.

FAST FORWARD


Fifteen years later, I was driving through the mountains of West Virginia, wondering if there was a way to make a living and still live in the state. The latent desire to become an outdoor writer was awakened. I found, during an internet search: Roger Brunt’s: North American School of Outdoor Writing. Shortly thereafter, I was talking with a friend about things we wished that we had done. Outdoor writing again came to the surface for me. When he asked me why I hadn’t pursued it in the past, I told him. His response was “You don’t have to be like them”. He was right. I had no idea where to begin, but I started the ball rolling.


NASOW is highly recommended for anyone; who like me, had no previous writing experience. The information and comments provided in the course are invaluable for anybody who is considering a writing career. I read numerous outdoor type magazines, while I was completing the provided course work. I read a few excellent articles. I read many others good and bad. I also read a few articles that left me wondering, why they were ever published.

I found a fishing author who I really liked. I enjoyed his articles and particularly liked one that he did about Florida fly-fishing. Alas, he did an article about one of my home streams. The piece was about fall trout fishing on this stream, which I am very familiar with. The article began with the source of the stream, which was wrong. He then began a discussion about how well stocked the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources keeps the stream’s waters. He notes that it is supplied with fish by the WVDNR two times during the month of October. This stream is not, nor has ever been, on the fall trout stocking schedule. It is practically dry in the fall months. The communities that rely on this stream for a water source, need to have water trucked in during the summer and fall. This has been necessary for at least 30 years. Finally he tells of getting away from the road, while fishing this stream, for a “wilderness experience.” In reality, this stream is synonymic with the road, which it follows. There may be two short stretches in the entire flowage where you may be able to get 75 yards away from the roadway. On the majority of the fishable sections, you must wait for traffic to pass, before you can make a backcast. I truly wonder if this author has ever visited this stream’s waters. I also question now, if he has even been to South Florida.Integrity in outdoor writing should not require rules, regulations or by-laws. Integrity in all communications should come naturally and not be governed. I polled a few people, who I knew had achieved a lifetime of outdoor success. The results were the same with all. They read very few outdoor magazines. The reason was that they knew reality and grew tired of the fluff.
 
(c) 2008 Randy Bodkins All Rights Reserved

The Complete Book of Outdoor Survival: Everything you need to know if your outdoor adventure takes an unexpected turn