While hunting behind our Botetourt County, Virginia home this morning, I was fortunate enough to kill a mature doe with my Parker Thunderhawk Crossbow. After dragging the doe back to the house, I asked Elaine, as usual, to help a little with the field dressing chores.
Also, as usual, I cut out the heart and tongue (both delicacies as far as I am concerned) and Elaine took them to the kitchen to clean and freeze for later use. As I was working on the bottom loins, I asked my sweetheart if she would mind making some kidney pot pie like the British do.
Elaine said she would make the entree, but I would have to eat it all myself the first time. We would appreciate any advice from folks who have prepared kidneys.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Rain on Opening Day of West Virginia's Bow Season (Blog 261)
For several months, I have looked foward to opening day of West Virginia's bow season, which is today, September 26. But all week the forecast has been for rain today, and, unfortunately, the forecast was accurate.
Ten or so days ago, I had made a quick visit to our Gap Mills land in Monroe County to check out the acorn situation. I had determined my stand site and made my game plan for the day, which was simple - stay on stand until noon, go back to the truck for lunch and a nap, and be back on stand by 2:30, and stay there until dark or until I arrowed a deer.
The rainy forecast was so ominous last night that I didn't even bother to set the alarm. As I write this, it is now 10:47 A.M. and the forecast remains poor for the rest of the day. I imagine my bow will remain where it is.
Ten or so days ago, I had made a quick visit to our Gap Mills land in Monroe County to check out the acorn situation. I had determined my stand site and made my game plan for the day, which was simple - stay on stand until noon, go back to the truck for lunch and a nap, and be back on stand by 2:30, and stay there until dark or until I arrowed a deer.
The rainy forecast was so ominous last night that I didn't even bother to set the alarm. As I write this, it is now 10:47 A.M. and the forecast remains poor for the rest of the day. I imagine my bow will remain where it is.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Locavore Weekend: Deer Butchering, Grape Jelly, and More (Blog 260)
Elaine and I experienced a very busy weekend last week. On Friday evening, we gathered wild summer grapes. On Saturday, she and I prepared the grapes so that our daughter Sarah and Elaine could make the actual jelly on Sunday.
Saturday morning, I killed a doe, and we spent part of Saturday and Sunday butchering it. We saved the heart and tongue for lunches this week, froze the top and bottom loins, and canned the rest.
Our last task, food wise, was to pick crabapples from our Dolgo crabapple tree. Elaine made crabapple/walnut muffins this week.
A busy weekend, but a productive one.
Saturday morning, I killed a doe, and we spent part of Saturday and Sunday butchering it. We saved the heart and tongue for lunches this week, froze the top and bottom loins, and canned the rest.
Our last task, food wise, was to pick crabapples from our Dolgo crabapple tree. Elaine made crabapple/walnut muffins this week.
A busy weekend, but a productive one.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Buff Orpington Hen Lays First Egg (Blog 259)
Elaine and I were thrilled to discover this week that our heritage Buff Orpington hen, Ophelia, had laid her first egg. In fact, Ophelia has laid an egg per day from Monday through Thursday.
Normally, from our experience, first time layers don't lay every day the first several weeks after they begin. But Ophelia has not read the handbook on egg laying and her consistency has been amazing.
In the run adjacent to the Buff's, we have three heritage Rhode Island Red hens that are just a week younger than Ophelia. Perhaps they will begin their egg laying careers next week.
Normally, from our experience, first time layers don't lay every day the first several weeks after they begin. But Ophelia has not read the handbook on egg laying and her consistency has been amazing.
In the run adjacent to the Buff's, we have three heritage Rhode Island Red hens that are just a week younger than Ophelia. Perhaps they will begin their egg laying careers next week.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
The Passing of a Pigeon (Blog 258)
I recently received a call from a neighbor that said she had a strange bird, which appeared to be sick, in her back field. Always curious about wildlife and ready for a photo op, I came over after school.
What I found was a common pigeon that was unable to fly and looked to have suffered some sort of internal injury. The neigbor, a very kind individual, wanted to know if she should contact the local animal control and have the folks there rescue the bird.
I explained that the pigeon is an invasive species, that farmers despise this bird, and that pigeons compete negatively with native birds. I also said that animal control would be unlikely to respond to her request, although obviously I could not speak for that agency.
I followed up with what her options were.
She could easily capture the bird and attempt to nurse it back to health.
She could put the bird out of its misery, as it was likely to die before morning.
She could bring the pigeon to a vet, but that option was likely to be futile and expensive.
She could do nothing, and nature would decide the issue before morning.
The lady decided on the last option, and the next day she told me that the bird was gone. I replied that what had happened to the pigeon was what eventually happens to all wild animals, it had become part of the food chain as no doubt some predator's proverbial ship had come in overnight.
I write this blog not out of cruelty toward pigeons or any animal, but such is the way of the wild world. It is truly a jungle out there.
What I found was a common pigeon that was unable to fly and looked to have suffered some sort of internal injury. The neigbor, a very kind individual, wanted to know if she should contact the local animal control and have the folks there rescue the bird.
I explained that the pigeon is an invasive species, that farmers despise this bird, and that pigeons compete negatively with native birds. I also said that animal control would be unlikely to respond to her request, although obviously I could not speak for that agency.
I followed up with what her options were.
She could easily capture the bird and attempt to nurse it back to health.
She could put the bird out of its misery, as it was likely to die before morning.
She could bring the pigeon to a vet, but that option was likely to be futile and expensive.
She could do nothing, and nature would decide the issue before morning.
The lady decided on the last option, and the next day she told me that the bird was gone. I replied that what had happened to the pigeon was what eventually happens to all wild animals, it had become part of the food chain as no doubt some predator's proverbial ship had come in overnight.
I write this blog not out of cruelty toward pigeons or any animal, but such is the way of the wild world. It is truly a jungle out there.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Fall Hunting and Berry Season Begins (Blog 257)
As much as I enjoy participating in Virginia's Urban Archery Season, which begins next Saturday in Roanoke County -one county over from Elaine's and my Botetourt County, Virginia home, I also enjoy another form of outdoor recreation that is just starting... wild fruit gathering.
Several days ago, Elaine and I picked some hackberries and wild cherries from trees growing along our rural road. No such thing exists as hackberry cobbler or wild cherry pie (at least from our experience) because both fruits are smaller than peas and gathering many is time consuming.
But both cherries and hackberries are a nice snack, and good sprinkled over oatmeal, and are precursors to fall fruits that can provide substantial meals. Summer grapes ripen in September and make outstanding jelly. Paw paws fall in late September and can be made into bread and cookies.
Then last to ripen, usually sometime in early November, are persimmons. Persimmon/wild black walnut bread is, hands down, one of the best things I have ever eaten. I killed several deer with my bow last fall that had come to feast on persimmons - it is understandable that whitetails relish persimmons as well.
Several days ago, Elaine and I picked some hackberries and wild cherries from trees growing along our rural road. No such thing exists as hackberry cobbler or wild cherry pie (at least from our experience) because both fruits are smaller than peas and gathering many is time consuming.
But both cherries and hackberries are a nice snack, and good sprinkled over oatmeal, and are precursors to fall fruits that can provide substantial meals. Summer grapes ripen in September and make outstanding jelly. Paw paws fall in late September and can be made into bread and cookies.
Then last to ripen, usually sometime in early November, are persimmons. Persimmon/wild black walnut bread is, hands down, one of the best things I have ever eaten. I killed several deer with my bow last fall that had come to feast on persimmons - it is understandable that whitetails relish persimmons as well.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Rome Apples and Dolgo Crabapples (Blog 256)
This week, Elaine and I are harvesting our backyard apples. In our backyard, we have two North Star cherry trees, young Black Twig and Grimes Golden apple trees and bearing Dolgo crabapple and Rome apple trees. In the past week, Elaine has made two loaves of Rome Apple Bread, the last one with black walnuts, which is, by far, the best tasting one. Black walnuts make just about everything taste better. I have some in my oatmeal every morning.
This evening we hope to pick some crabapples. Some people ignore the fruit from their crabapple trees, leaving the berries to the birds and other creatures. That is fine to do so, of course, but crabapple/walnut bread is a taste sensation, even better than the bread that Elaine makes from the Rome apples.
I hope we can have some for Sunday lunch.
This evening we hope to pick some crabapples. Some people ignore the fruit from their crabapple trees, leaving the berries to the birds and other creatures. That is fine to do so, of course, but crabapple/walnut bread is a taste sensation, even better than the bread that Elaine makes from the Rome apples.
I hope we can have some for Sunday lunch.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Cutting Our Ash Trees (Blog 255)
For the past several weeks, my son-in-law David Reynolds and I have been cutting timber on our Botetourt County land. The standing trees that we have targetted are all ashes.
The reason we are doing so is the emerald ash borer which showed up in Michigan in 2002 and has spread relentlessly since then. As far as I know, this Asian invasive has not yet been found in Botetourt County, Virginia where we live, but sightings have been documented several counties away.
The adult beetles eat the ash's foliage, but that is not the major problem. It is the insidious larva that ravage the inner bark which eventually causes the deaths of larger trees.
I wish that David and I did not have to do this timbering, but at least we are both laying in a supply of firewood.
The reason we are doing so is the emerald ash borer which showed up in Michigan in 2002 and has spread relentlessly since then. As far as I know, this Asian invasive has not yet been found in Botetourt County, Virginia where we live, but sightings have been documented several counties away.
The adult beetles eat the ash's foliage, but that is not the major problem. It is the insidious larva that ravage the inner bark which eventually causes the deaths of larger trees.
I wish that David and I did not have to do this timbering, but at least we are both laying in a supply of firewood.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Rhode Island Reds Hard at Work in Garden (Blog 254)
Our garden was, at best, mediocre this growing season. I thought I did a good job of mulching the tomaoto, squash, and zuke plants, but when the inevitable dry spell of July took place, the plants suffered no matter how much Elaine and I watered them. Next year, I am resigned to have a deeper layer of mulch.
So, it's time to let the chickens into the garden and begin their process of fertilizing and scratching up weeds, insect larva, and the insects themselves. Elaine and I had thought we might let our Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds take turns at the garden; however, the truth is that the Reds are much better at their "job" than the Buffs.
This is the first time we have raised Buffs, and they are a delightful heritage breed: friendly, calm, and from what we understand great egg layers. Our Buffs and Reds are only 18 weeks old, so it is not time for them to lay yet.
But I doubt that few chicken breeds can beat Reds for sheer diligence and joy at "working" a garden. So what we have been doing is turning the Reds out into the garden and the Buffs into the tractor. Both flocks have time out of their respective runs, but they spend time at different jobs.
So, it's time to let the chickens into the garden and begin their process of fertilizing and scratching up weeds, insect larva, and the insects themselves. Elaine and I had thought we might let our Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds take turns at the garden; however, the truth is that the Reds are much better at their "job" than the Buffs.
This is the first time we have raised Buffs, and they are a delightful heritage breed: friendly, calm, and from what we understand great egg layers. Our Buffs and Reds are only 18 weeks old, so it is not time for them to lay yet.
But I doubt that few chicken breeds can beat Reds for sheer diligence and joy at "working" a garden. So what we have been doing is turning the Reds out into the garden and the Buffs into the tractor. Both flocks have time out of their respective runs, but they spend time at different jobs.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Cardinal Eggs Hatch (Blog 253)
For several weeks, Elaine and I have been watching a female cardinal sitting on her nest that is just a yard away from our chicken run. This is a high traffic area for us, as it is not only next to our Rhode Island Red and Buff Orpington enclosures, but also next to the garden.
Yet, the mother cardinal never seems to mind, and this week the eggs finally hatched. The most fascinating aspect, to date, of this entire affair is how big the baby cardinals have grown in less than a week (picture below). Also of note is that this active nest is in our Rome apple tree, and an apple is growing just a few inches away from the nest.
Of course, we won't pick any apples until the young birds have flown away. We also hope that no wild creature will disrupt the nest in its quest for apples. A metal enclosure encircles the tree so that hopefully will keep any apple eaters away.
Yet, the mother cardinal never seems to mind, and this week the eggs finally hatched. The most fascinating aspect, to date, of this entire affair is how big the baby cardinals have grown in less than a week (picture below). Also of note is that this active nest is in our Rome apple tree, and an apple is growing just a few inches away from the nest.
Of course, we won't pick any apples until the young birds have flown away. We also hope that no wild creature will disrupt the nest in its quest for apples. A metal enclosure encircles the tree so that hopefully will keep any apple eaters away.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Don Versus Oscar - Rooster Stare Down (Blog 252)
Our Buff Orpingtons turned 16 weeks old on Wednesday of this week, and our Rhode Island Reds 15 weeks on Monday. And the alpha cockerel of the former (Oscar) had a stare down with the alpha cockerel of the latter (Don) today. And it was the older, bigger Oscar that "blinked."
Both cockerels have been crowing for a while, Oscar began almost a month ago and Don started last Monday. They are both attempting to mate with their hens, and both have thorougly intimidated the other cockerels in their respective pens, which are adjacent to each other.
Of all these momentous events in the life of a young rooster, the stare down today was the most fascinating. Oscar started the skirmish by walking briskly back and forth along the wire separating the pens. Don rushed over, puffed himself up, and gave Oscar the evil eye. Both males locked in their stares for long seconds until Oscar retreated.
Size usually matters in the world of roosters, but Don, for now, is not only the cock of the heap in the pens but also lord of the backyard.
Both cockerels have been crowing for a while, Oscar began almost a month ago and Don started last Monday. They are both attempting to mate with their hens, and both have thorougly intimidated the other cockerels in their respective pens, which are adjacent to each other.
Of all these momentous events in the life of a young rooster, the stare down today was the most fascinating. Oscar started the skirmish by walking briskly back and forth along the wire separating the pens. Don rushed over, puffed himself up, and gave Oscar the evil eye. Both males locked in their stares for long seconds until Oscar retreated.
Size usually matters in the world of roosters, but Don, for now, is not only the cock of the heap in the pens but also lord of the backyard.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Elaine Names Our Rhode Island Red Chickens - After Mad Men Characters (Blog 251)
In our household, Elaine and I have different areas of responsibility where one of us is in charge. One of my spouse's duties is to name our chickens. Back in April, we received heritage Rhode Island Red chicks in the mail, and this week Elaine has decided that our birds' names will have a Mad Men theme.
Don...The name of our Alpha Rooster. At 14 weeks, he started to crow and often has brief skirmishes with Roger, although they are good buddies.
Roger...Our Beta rooster. At least four times a day, Don and Roger have one-on-one battles, but all is usually forgiven by fly up time.
Pete... Scared of both Don and Roger as he is at the bottom of the cockerel pecking order.
Joan...Our Alpha hen. Developed more quickly than the other hens. Always the first out of the hen house in the morning.
Peggy... Our beta hen...a real striver, defers to Joan but doesn't seem to like doing so.
Trudy... A real Gamma girl, the last one out of the hen house in the morning. Is afraid to assert herself, a really cute hen though. When food is tossed into the run, Trudy is the last one to move toward it. The picture below shows Don, Joan, and Peggy.
Don...The name of our Alpha Rooster. At 14 weeks, he started to crow and often has brief skirmishes with Roger, although they are good buddies.
Roger...Our Beta rooster. At least four times a day, Don and Roger have one-on-one battles, but all is usually forgiven by fly up time.
Pete... Scared of both Don and Roger as he is at the bottom of the cockerel pecking order.
Joan...Our Alpha hen. Developed more quickly than the other hens. Always the first out of the hen house in the morning.
Peggy... Our beta hen...a real striver, defers to Joan but doesn't seem to like doing so.
Trudy... A real Gamma girl, the last one out of the hen house in the morning. Is afraid to assert herself, a really cute hen though. When food is tossed into the run, Trudy is the last one to move toward it. The picture below shows Don, Joan, and Peggy.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Honey from St. Gall Farm (Blog 250)
Today, good friend Paul Hinlicky, who along with his wife Ellen operates St. Gall Farm in Roanoke County, Virginia, dropped off some honey that Elaine and I had purchased from him. Paul has just recently begun raising honeybees and informed us that the first honey was ready for gathering.
Like us, Paul strives to be a locavore, and we were thrilled to support his efforts at that as well as purchasing honey for ourselves that came from "just up the road." The price is very reasonable at $10.00 a pint, and Elaine said that the quart we bought would be used to sweeten a number of our foods in the coming months. I can't wait to try it on some of Elaine's homemade sourdough bread... maybe tonight.
If readers would like to purchase some, here is Paul's e-mail address: pehinlicky@hughes.net.
Like us, Paul strives to be a locavore, and we were thrilled to support his efforts at that as well as purchasing honey for ourselves that came from "just up the road." The price is very reasonable at $10.00 a pint, and Elaine said that the quart we bought would be used to sweeten a number of our foods in the coming months. I can't wait to try it on some of Elaine's homemade sourdough bread... maybe tonight.
If readers would like to purchase some, here is Paul's e-mail address: pehinlicky@hughes.net.
Friday, July 3, 2015
Picking Blueberries with Sam and Sarah (Blog 249)
For several years my daughter Sarah and I have been talking about going on a berry picking expedition to Woodall's Blueberries (http://www.woodallblueberries.blogspot.com/) in Craig County, Virginia. Today with her son Sam in tow, we finally were able to go.
Everything about the Woodall's is wonderful: mowed paths between the rows, healthy, vigorous plants, and reasonable prices ($12.00 per gallon). Of course, going anywhere with my three-year-old grandson Sam can be an adventure. A steady, light rain fell during the 85 minutes or so it took for Sarah and myself to each pick a gallon. Sam after starting strong in the berry picking department soon became distracted by the nearby pond, bugs in the grass, the rows which were ideal for him to run up and down, and his penchant for eating as many berries as he picked.
But sopping wet, we finally finished our mission around 10:15 and headed for home. Elaine immediately made a blueberry cobbler for lunch, a quart was held out for pancakes and toppings for oatmeal in the coming days, the rest was frozen for the winter.
We'll be back next summer.
Everything about the Woodall's is wonderful: mowed paths between the rows, healthy, vigorous plants, and reasonable prices ($12.00 per gallon). Of course, going anywhere with my three-year-old grandson Sam can be an adventure. A steady, light rain fell during the 85 minutes or so it took for Sarah and myself to each pick a gallon. Sam after starting strong in the berry picking department soon became distracted by the nearby pond, bugs in the grass, the rows which were ideal for him to run up and down, and his penchant for eating as many berries as he picked.
But sopping wet, we finally finished our mission around 10:15 and headed for home. Elaine immediately made a blueberry cobbler for lunch, a quart was held out for pancakes and toppings for oatmeal in the coming days, the rest was frozen for the winter.
We'll be back next summer.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
My Week as an Outdoor Writer (Blog 248)
I have truly enjoyed my 32-year career as an outdoor writer-photographer, but this week, though it went reasonably well, showed how stressful this job can be. Monday, I went to Moncove Lake State Park and Greenbrier State Forest in West Virginia to do a story. Tuesday, I float fished the Greenbrier River for a story, then headed for Roanoke County, Virginia to do a story on the comeback of the American chestnut. Wednesday, I headed back to West Virginia for another article, then home to Virginia to work on another one.
Thursday, I finished a story and started another one, and Friday I only worked for about an hour. Then I surprised Elaine with taking her out to a movie, dinner, then to an ice cream parlor. I felt like I had neglected her all week.
Today, Saturday, it is off to a book signing and seminars from 9 to 5. Monday, I hopefully will interview someone to finish another story. I am thankful for all the work, but things have been very hectic lately.
Thursday, I finished a story and started another one, and Friday I only worked for about an hour. Then I surprised Elaine with taking her out to a movie, dinner, then to an ice cream parlor. I felt like I had neglected her all week.
Today, Saturday, it is off to a book signing and seminars from 9 to 5. Monday, I hopefully will interview someone to finish another story. I am thankful for all the work, but things have been very hectic lately.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Raspberries are Ripe (Blog 247)
I relish my time outside whether it is fishing, hunting, or, this time of year, when the wild berry season begins. This morning, I picked a quart of wild raspberries, stopping at five patches along a two-mile route of rural road in Botetourt County, Virginia.
There is a pleasing rhythm of the berry season, which starts with raspberries in June, blackberries, dewberries and wineberries in July, summer grapes in late August or early September, then with cherries and hackberries coming in later that month.
Paw paws are ripe in late September or early October, then persimmons are the last to ripen, doing so sometime in late October or early to mid November. There have been years, like last year, when Elaine and I picked persimmons in December for bread and cookies. Tomorrow, I am going to see if I can prevail upon my wife to make raspberry muffins.
Paw paws are ripe in late September or early October, then persimmons are the last to ripen, doing so sometime in late October or early to mid November. There have been years, like last year, when Elaine and I picked persimmons in December for bread and cookies. Tomorrow, I am going to see if I can prevail upon my wife to make raspberry muffins.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Celebrating Our 37th Anniversary: Babysitting the Grandkids (Blog 246)
Last night, Elaine and I babysat our two grandsons, Sam and Eli, at our daughter Sarah's and her husband David's house. It was their ninth anniversary and our 37th one. After dinner, my evening was spent playing toy trains (three-year-old Sam is a fan of Thomas and his friends) and putting together a puzzle of a very happy chimp. Elaine entertained one-year-old Eli who was crawling about.
Then it was time to brush Sam's teeth and prepare him for bed. First it was designated "Sam Time," which he decided would be spent putting together Mr. Potato Head, then it was time for stories, which was another saga of Thomas and his train adventures.
When David and Sarah arrived home, I remarked that Elaine and I met 41 years ago this week at Camp Easter Seal where we were both employees at the summer camp, and here we were all these years later babysitting our grandchildren on our anniversary. And David quipped, "That would not have been a great pickup line. 'Go out with me, and 41 years later we'll be babysitting our grandchildren on our anniversary.'"
It's true that such a line probably would not have impressed Elaine, but she has made my life wonderful.
Then it was time to brush Sam's teeth and prepare him for bed. First it was designated "Sam Time," which he decided would be spent putting together Mr. Potato Head, then it was time for stories, which was another saga of Thomas and his train adventures.
When David and Sarah arrived home, I remarked that Elaine and I met 41 years ago this week at Camp Easter Seal where we were both employees at the summer camp, and here we were all these years later babysitting our grandchildren on our anniversary. And David quipped, "That would not have been a great pickup line. 'Go out with me, and 41 years later we'll be babysitting our grandchildren on our anniversary.'"
It's true that such a line probably would not have impressed Elaine, but she has made my life wonderful.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Trout Fishing in Virginia's Mountains (Blog 245)
Saturday, I spent most of the morning fly fishing for wild trout on a Virginia mountain stream. I caught one brown and a sole rainbow, but that was not the most interesting part of my morning in the outdoors. Just being outside and knowing that I had the opportunity to go after a wild creature that is difficult to catch was, and always is, a fascinating adventure.
There's no question that float fishing smallmouth rivers is my favorite angling activity, but going after wild trout is a strong second. The similarities between the two pastimes are noteworthy, as both demand that anglers understand how the two game fish relate to current and cover.
The only thing that could have been better is if Elaine had gone with me. I hope she will some summer day soon.
There's no question that float fishing smallmouth rivers is my favorite angling activity, but going after wild trout is a strong second. The similarities between the two pastimes are noteworthy, as both demand that anglers understand how the two game fish relate to current and cover.
The only thing that could have been better is if Elaine had gone with me. I hope she will some summer day soon.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
A Day on Virginia's Maury River (Blog 244)
Friday, I went fishing on the Maury River with visiting friends from the Potomac River Smallmouth Club (www.prsc.org) Jamie Gold and Bill Amshey. Before going, I told Jamie and Bill that the water would likely be clear and low and that topwater patterns would likely be the key. I also suggested that they forget about hard plastic minnow baits and bottom bumping worms, that topwater poppers or soft plastic jerkbaits would likely be the patterns.
We struggled to catch quality size smallmouths all day and by the end of our trip, no one had caught a bass of 12 or more inches. The general consensus was that the bigger smallies had just not been biting. That opinion was put to rest when a man and a woman arrived at the take-out just after we did. The gentleman regaled us with stories of his wife's three 19-inch smallmouths caught on hard plastic minnow jerkbaits and plastic worms. What a pattern he exclaimed - once again proving how wrong I can be while afield either fishing or hunting. One thing was true as is always the case (and as these pictures show) the Maury is a beautiful river.
We struggled to catch quality size smallmouths all day and by the end of our trip, no one had caught a bass of 12 or more inches. The general consensus was that the bigger smallies had just not been biting. That opinion was put to rest when a man and a woman arrived at the take-out just after we did. The gentleman regaled us with stories of his wife's three 19-inch smallmouths caught on hard plastic minnow jerkbaits and plastic worms. What a pattern he exclaimed - once again proving how wrong I can be while afield either fishing or hunting. One thing was true as is always the case (and as these pictures show) the Maury is a beautiful river.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Just Born Deer Fawn (Blog 243)
Sunday, I was on my way to go trout fishing in Rockbridge County, Virginia with guide Josh Williams (http://deaddriftva.com/) when we saw a deer fawn standing next to the road. Josh stopped his vehicle, and I bounded out of the vehicle and began taking photos.
I didn't want to leave the fawn next to the road and knew that the mother doe was likely nearby. But Josh and I were also concerned that the fawn would blunder out into the road and be hit by a car. Fascinatingly, while I was taking pictures, the fawn began following me, so I walked across the road and into some weeds and the fawn followed. Josh and I directed a car around the whitetail, which appeared to have been just born.
And then we decided to leave the fawn to its fate. The mother doe soon showed up and escorted her fawn away from the road and into a field. Who knows what tomorrow will bring for the doe and her offspring.
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