We had lots of wind and a cold rain last weekend which has the snowbanks starting to shrink. There is even some bare ground here and there. Winter is not over for sure but the sun is strong and it wont be long now; even on the cold mornings the sun makes it feel warm if you are out of the wind. As I understand it this is the 5th snowiest winter on record and we still have a month or so to go yet. I also saw that Concord NH has set a record for the snowiest winter since they have been keeping track.
All of that does not mean much until you saw it all on the ground. I shovel the snow off of the deck (which is 2 feet off of the ground) in front of the house. After a winter of shoveling the snow pile was four feet higher than the deck and looking out of the windows you had to look over a big pile of snow. In fact I can only barely remember what our yard actually looks like after being covered with a white blanket for the last three months.
We did some snowshoeing last week and when we were out in our woodlot a ruffed grouse took off from its roost in the snow not ten feet from where we stood. I have had that happen once before, years ago while snowshoeing with a family from England. Both times it was a great surprise with a shower of snow and the thunder of grouse wings. Truly an amazing sight to see.
CT Speaking Engagement
I will be speaking to the CT RI Coastal Flyfishers on the evening of April 24 In Groton. I am planning to speak about the current research on Maine's native stripers and some on our native brook trout. If you are in the area it would be great to see you there. Also if you have a group that would be interested in hearing from an old guide give me a call or drop me an e-mail and let's see arrange a date when I can speak to your group.
The New Boat is Here!
I received word last week that my new boat has arrived from the factory. Of course the dealer needs some time to get everything all set up and we will have to wait for the ice to go out to do the first sea trial. But it is a sure sign that the fishing season is on it's way. I am looking forward to taking delivery of what will be the third Lund boat I have owned in my career. Lund has made a number of changes in the hull design and storage configuration since my last one was built. I am a little nervous about how the changes will work for me but I am looking forward to the opportunity to give it a good workout. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail and lets set a date for you to fish out of the new boat.
Billy Goes Hunting
I am proud of the contributions that hunters have made to the conservation of our wildlife and open spaces. Over a hundred years ago now it was hunters who recognized that wildlife was diminishing and that something needed to be done. The current system of wildlife management funded by hunters has resulted in an amazing turnaround in wildlife abundance in this country. Granted there are still species that we all are concerned about, and things to work on; but overall things are much better today than they were at the turn of the last century.
As someone who hunts and is not ashamed of being a hunter I have always regretted that we do not do a better job of presenting ourselves and our contribution to wildlife management. The children of avid hunters routinely face questions and criticism about hunting lifestyle. I found and have added to the online store a new children's book that presents hunters and their contributions in a positive light.
Billy Goes Hunting is the story of a young boy whose hunting beliefs have been challenged by his peers. In response to those challenges, on a trip to visit Grandfather's farm, Billy asks the question - "Why do we hunt?" - and his Grandfather explains the many reasons behind the heritage, sport and tradition of the hunting lifestyle. Reading this book to your children will allow parents to explain all of these reasons in detail and provide a great platform to discuss other questions children might have.
Booking now for the coming season!
Reservations continue to come in for next spring and summer. If you are planning to be in the area this year please give me a call or drop me an e-mail so we can plan a date to spend some time outdoors together.
