An Expensive and Expansive Walk...

An Expensive Walk...

Hiking, fishing, and even hunting (shooting) can be relatively inexpensive pursuits if one is so inclined to indulge in these activities on a limited budget. But when the experience outweighs the financial outlay, the reward is great!

And I'm cheap! Or is it frugal? Whatever, I have limited funds and even less inclination to spend the few pennies I have! But sometimes you've just got to spend money in order to chase your dreams!

So this week I upgraded, I replaced a piece of equipment that will make my travels easier.

I bought new insoles for my boots!

They are awesome! Not only are my boots more comfortable, but I'm a quarter of an inch taller! 

They are more comfortable. Walking to those special places will be easier. Walking to those places I do not want to go to will be easier.

And it will be easier to walk away!

Getting to where we want to go is simple. Just take the steps. Getting to where we don't want to go to, but must, is far more difficult. But sometimes you've just got to go there. If the walk is easier, then the leaving is joyous.

Maybe my new insoles will make that trek all the better...

But the equipment we walk with is also important.

I have two very fine centre fire rifles. One a modern work in space-age engineering with optics built to an extreme. The other a hand-crafted work of art; ivory inlays, hand-carved checkering. My go-to shotgun, on the other hand, is as practical as they come! It's built and performs like my 24-year old Jeep!   

 

I also have a menagerie of fishing equipment. Its financial value is reflective of my income at the time of purchase. Some pieces are is as old as me (some, somewhat older,) some of it worthless and will sit in my tackle box, never to get wet! 

But my most prized piece of fishing tackle is one single rod. I will have it forever. It represents something significant, something more important than chasing that elusive fish, it symbolizes the ultimate quarry. Happiness.

It's also the most expensive piece of equipment in my fishing arsenal. And I would never have bought it for myself! 



It represents my dreams, and is indicative of the love that someone else has for me.   







Sometimes the most important things we buy are cheap, inexpensive and of little worldly value. Sometimes our investments are fleeting, diminished by time or changing fads. But sometimes, our investments take on only a thought for others and their return is great happiness. 





A small investment in comfort can make the walk easier. A small investment in another one's dreams can bring joy! 

A fly fishing rod, and a new pair of insoles for my boots. Both have brought me comfort. One helps me step from this day into the next, the other is an indicator of the joy that lies ahead! 

As of this month, the National Wild Turkey Federation will no longer have a presence in Canada. After many years raising awareness for the Eastern Wild Turkey, an indigenous species which basically became extinct in Ontario, the NWTF will no longer be supporting conservation efforts north of "their" border.

On January the 3rd, the board of directors in Edgefield South Carolina, in a 12 to 6 decision, voted to indefinitely suspend operations in Canada.

Over the past few decades the NWTF has done some wonderful work in Canada, especially Ontario. By the early decades of the 20th century the Eastern Wild Turkey was extinct in Ontario. Over hunting, agriculture and early urban sprawl eradicated the turkey population. But, through the efforts of the OFAH, the MNR and predominantly the NWTF, the Eastern Wild Turkey has returned and now has a very healthy population. Conservative estimates put the birds' numbers at 75,000. In some places the bird is actually a nuisance!

 

 

Maybe the NWTF has served its purpose in Ontario. The turkeys are back and there is an awareness of their environment. Turkey enthusiasts and hunters are contributing in more ways to society and the turkey's habitat. 

My involvement with the NWTF came about as so many others did. I was looking for folks that would help me get out and find turkeys! I found far more than turkeys though! I found friendship and camaraderie. 

I joined the Durham Region Chapter after a few emails and a group meeting attended by the NWTF regional director. It was a great evening! 

Over the next three years, the Durham chapter of the NWTF held annual banquettes, events at local gun ranges and sportsman shows; these included young people's shoots and calling contests. Most importantly of all though, over the past three years the group has donated more than three-thousand pounds of store bought frozen turkeys to the local food bank!

    

This decision though, to suspend operations in Canada, troubles me on a number of levels.

Two very respectable gentlemen have lost their jobs. Scores of volunteers who dedicated many hours of their spare time have been made to feel their efforts were not worthwhile. Canadian hunters, our conservation efforts and endeavours to better the environment and our standing within society in general, do not seem to be of enough importance to our neighbours to the south. 

Whether this decision was made because of economics, or my fear, for cultural reasons, I do not support it. But, the decision has been made. 

My dilemma though: which group do I dedicate my time and effort to now? I have a few in mind. I'm looking for suggestions though, I'm looking to be wooed! I'm looking for a group that is close knit, socially conscious and loves to hunt and fish! I hate politics! I love open mindedness, compassion and having a good time! Wait, I'm not looking for dating sites! I'm looking for a conservation, hunting, angling group, with a social conscience!

Ideas, folks, let's hear them! 

I will always be thankful for the NWTF! They have done wonders in the rehabilitation of turkey habitat, the population of the bird and for the education of the public in regards to the Eastern Wild Turkey. 

Most of all though, I will always be in debt to the NWTF for the friendships I have made since I joined! 

You all know who you are!

          

Any Excuse...

Any Excuse for a Walk in the Woods...

Woke this morning to the wood-fire out. It was chilly. Best remedy for a cool Sunday morning? The new Keurig that Aimee brought home late this week. It was raining too. Walk the dogs, but wait the rain and dark skies out before the first walk in the grouse woods for the season.

I left the house just by one this afternoon. There are not many places left in this world where you can walk through your subdivision with a shotgun over your shoulder. So I walked to the woods with a pocket full of shells, my camera and a curiosity, no, a hope for what I might see.

I walked for four hours! I heard many birds. I saw one, took one shot, and took that one bird home! I took many photos though. I looked down as much as I looked up, not to stop from tripping up, but just to see what was there.

I saw some fantastic and interesting stuff! Views and panoramas, tiny forest growth, and unfortunately some trash. 

This week, in the early evenings after work, I’ll walk the woods a few more times. 

Tomorrow we’ll be blueberry picking; found a great spot this afternoon closer to home than expected. Maybe another grouse or two later in the week. Of course, I’ll fish one of those evenings too! 

I’m thinking a new recipe is formulating; Grouse with a blueberry sauce!

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I’m thinking a walk a day keeps the doctor away! And, after all, hunting, fishing or photography are simply good excuses for a walk in the woods!