Into the Outdoors: A Little of This and a Little of That

I got to thinking that it is about time for another potpourri column. By that, I mean topics that don’t merit a full column, but are worth at least a brief look.

One of the hottest topics nowadays appears to be the opening of the rifle deer season.  The debate has existed ever the Game Commission changed things to the Saturday opener. Many long for a return to the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Their argument is based on more than just tradition. They cite the necessity to rush in order to get to their camps, along with the damage to businesses in “hunting towns,” as they are deprived of the influx of hunters on the weekend before the opener. There is a bill in the legislature to restore the Monday opener.  It would be a good idea to make your feelings, no matter which side you are on, to your representatives and senators.

Here a once in a lifetime occurrence. A pileated woodpecker got into my workshop/shed. The building has a cat door from which the swinging cover has been removed.  It is heated with cat beds by the heater. While not rare, these big birds are also not a common sight, normally keeping pretty much to the deep woods. There was no mistaking what it was.  It was hitting against the windows in its efforts to get out. We left the doors open, and it was soon on its way.

Getting old. There was a time when that was just a distant future possibility. Not anymore. I will soon  turn 77. Age has made it impossible for me to do some of the things I once really enjoyed.

For example, for many years, Old Bub and I fished at Lock and Dam # 9 on the Allegheny River. Nowadays, there is no way I could climb down that rock strewn bank and back up again. I would most certainly fall, and possibly suffer serious injury.

Then, there is trout fishing. Once again, clamoring along a brushy creek is a tough proposition. I have always had a troubling tendency to fall into the creek.  Now, with my balance issues, an unexpected swim is almost a certainty.

For many, many years, one of my favorite ways to find solace was hunting squirrels alone.  Now, I like to have someone with me, just in case.

I know that many others find themselves faced with the same set of circumstances.  The situation leaves us with two options.  The first one is to just sink into depression and self pity.  Admittedly, it is tempting.  The other option, which I chose, is to find alternate activities to replace the old ones.  

When it comes to Lock and Dam # 9, I will now fish from the fishing pier.  It’s not as much fun, but it will do.  I know of a couple of good panfish ponds, so I have replaced stream trout fishing with them. They provide lots of fun, plus some really good eating.  

I have developed a keen interest in magnet fishing. You just stand along the shore, and toss your magnet into the water and then pull it in. You never know what you are going to pull in.  I have never had what could be called a fabulous find, but I have found some neat things.  I must emphasize that, if you have a pacemaker or other medical device, magnet fishing is not for you.  The magnets are very powerful, and can disrupt the functioning of such devices.  You can, however, still have a lot of fun with a grappling hook.

Getting old certainly has its downside. Just remember that many are denied the privilege. Aging inevitably changes your life. Just do what you can, and enjoy the life you have left.

It appears as though the river is going to go peacefully, as this Jodie Beabout photo shows.

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Email: salmonangler1@gmail.com