In the Forests and the Fields

Educating The Public Just Got Easier!

2010-08-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

Educating the Public About Hunting, Fishing, Conservation

Whether you are a teacher, a librarian, a scout leader, homeschooling parent or just a hunter/angler who hopes to preserve the tradition - a whole new world of resources are now available!

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-For 38 years, National Hunting and Fishing Day has been

celebrated from the smallest hometowns to the highest offices in our nation's

capital. An official public reminder that conservation in America depends on

leadership and funding from hunters and anglers, NHF Day now aims to deliver

its message year round through a free and newly updated variety of

educational resources.

Always the fourth Saturday in September, NHF Day 2010 is slated for Sept. 25.

"Our goal is equipping every hunter, angler and sport shooter to more

effectively communicate the conservation benefits of traditional outdoor

sports. All of us must work together to build public understanding and

appreciation for what we do," said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife, the

Springfield, Mo., official home of NHF Day.

Hunting and fishing licenses, along with excise taxes on firearms,

ammunition, bows, arrows, rods and reels, generate $100,000 every 30 minutes

-totaling more than $1.75 billion per year-for fish, wildlife and habitat.

NHF Day educational resources, available free at www.nhfday.org, include:

• PowerPoint Presentation-A colorful presentation of facts to accompany
school speeches, lectures, meetings and more. Downloadable as a 16.7 MB file. A sample script and public speaking tips also are available. Or simply click and play the fully finished, automated audio-visual presentation, which is
6:43 in length. Be sure to check out the helpful hints for answering
questions from your audience!

• Handouts and Activity Sheets-Five different single-page conservation games
and fact sheets designed to be fun and informative for all ages.

• Print, Audio and Video PSAs-For use by the media, club newsletters or
anyone who needs ready -to-use communications. Current and past honorary chairs are featured, including Olympic medalist Corey Cogdell of the USA Shooting Team, country music star Luke Bryan, outdoor television personality Michael Waddell and comedian Jeff Foxworthy.

• Event Planning Tools-If you're planning an NHF Day public celebration, use
these resources for tips, timelines, guidelines and more. Also post your event to the official national online listing of NHF Day celebrations!

• Wildlife Portraits-These 10 features and accompanying art can be used as a
regular monthly series or individual handouts. They give background on each species and their significance to American culture as well as how their futures have been preserved through the efforts of conservation-minded sportsmen and women.

• News Templates and Tips-Use these templates to announce your NHF Day events
and other public celebrations. See the tips offering insights from the media on how to garner even more media attention for NHF Day and its important message.

• Photos and Logos-To accompany articles or programs on NHF Day.

• Proclamation Templates-NHF Day has been formally proclaimed by every
American President from Richard M. Nixon to Barack Obama, along with countless governors, mayors and other officials. These templates serve as a useful guide for getting recognition for sportsmen and women in your area.

• How to Get Started Hunting, Shooting and Fishing-You already know why! Here's the basic how, what, where and when info that newcomers need to join the millions of hunters, shooters and anglers who help fund and lead conservation.

For these and other resources, visit www.nhfday.org.

The entire USA Shooting Team is serving as honorary chair for NHF Day 2010.

With 103 Olympic medals for rifle, pistol and shotgun marksmanship, the U.S.

excels in few sports more than shooting. Only track and field, swimming,

diving, wrestling and boxing have been more prolific medal producers for

Americans. In fact, shooting ranks ahead of gymnastics, figure skating,

volleyball and more than 30 other Olympic sports. Most members of the current

USA Shooting Team are active hunters and anglers, blending a passion for the

outdoors with winning on the world stage.

Sponsors for NHF Day 2010 includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting

Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman Channel,

Realtree, Cabela's, GunBroker.com, Yamaha, Pope and Young Club, Izaak Walton

League of America and Academy Sports + Outdoors.

For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org.

A Rant, A Rave, an..AH HA Moment

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000-05:00

This blog has been neglected... my artwork has been neglected.. seems like the days just keep spinning madly out of control and at an extremely high rate of speed. How did it get to be this time of year all ready? The fall mushroms are out, velvet is falling of the antlers, good Lord, elderberries are ripe and autumn olive berries are turning quickly. Where have the last few months gone?

Anyone who's been forced to spend much time with me at all of late knows I've been unsettled, out of sorts, crappy and snappy and just plain unpleasant. Something some ephemeral thing has been wearing on me and until yesterday I just couldn't seem to quite figure it out.

I've been so tired.
Endlessly, horribly, exhausted. Okay fine I can blame that on the MS we all know that MS produces mind and body numbing fatigue. I've been fighting of what seems like one infection after another. I have not felt balanced.
I have not felt at peace.
Time to call in the yaya sisters.
You know the YA YAs - that group of friends that are alternately medicine women, tribal council, laugh your head off at the silliness that life brings, the eat chocolate at midnight crew. The kind of friends that aren't afraid to be painfully honest and apply the proverbial foot to the fanny when needed.

" My mojo is MIA" I whined.. "it's gone..my work is uh yeah technically fine but something is missing. My writing just gets further behind. I thought this newfound success as an outdoor photo journalist was supposed to make me happier. It's not." To prove how much it wasn't I wolfed down yet one more bag of M and M's.

With a vengence.

The chorus of "Well Duh" was lightning fast. Gently the yayas helped me realize that what I was really unsettled about was that business was now taking a front seat, and creativity was taking a back seat, and for a sensitive artiste like myself that just wasn't going to work.
The yayas also pointed out not so gently that I have no moderation gene - it's WFO all the time with everything. "SLOW DOWN" they chanted.
They even had the nerve to point out that I had to deal with a chronic a disease and advancing age.
(Advancing age? Don't they know that 50 is the new 30? )

So what the heck am I to do about all of this I whined. I also ate more chocolate. M and M's really should be considered medicinal in some instances.

It's simple my wise friend Missy pointed out - Go back and cut back. Pick two or three of the places that you like writing for the most - do your best for them. Go back to getting up before dawn and blasting out the door to the woods or the fields or wherever it is you go instead of dealing with the desk work. Go freaking wander!

Seems that according to the yayas what I do best is wander, and then come back and play show and tell. So, starting today I'm adjusting my schedule, I'm going back, I'm cutting back and let's see how this works out.

I'd share more but hey I need to go wander!

Hunter safety courses - Sign up now!

2010-07-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Hunters are encouraged to sign up this summer for a free Illinois Hunter Safety Education Course coordinated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), or take one of the web-based hunter safety study course/field day options that are available to earn a hunter safety certificate.
“Summertime is the ideal season to sign up for a hunter safety course to get ready for the busy fall hunting seasons,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “Whether you are an experienced hunter, an adult who is planning to hunt for the first time, or a youth hunter excited about heading to the field this fall, hunter safety education can help you enjoy a safe hunt.”
Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 must successfully complete a hunter safety education course before an Illinois hunting license can be issued. Illinois offers traditional hunter safety education courses, which are coordinated by the IDNR and taught by volunteer safety instructors. The courses include instruction on hunting regulations, hunter ethics and responsibility, archery, firearms, ammunition, first aid, wildlife identification and conservation. A minimum of 10 hours of instruction is involved.
While Illinois requires that many young and novice hunters take a safety education course, many states now require hunters of all ages to furnish evidence of having completed a hunter education course before issuing a non-resident hunting license.
Illinois hunters also have the option of participating in an online study course provided by either one of two authorized providers to help familiarize themselves with hunting safety information. The IDNR has partnered with Hunter-Ed.com and HunterExam.com to provide the necessary coursework to help complete hunter safety education requirements in Illinois. In addition to the online course work, students selecting the online option
must also attend a one-day field day to finalize their hunter safety certification.
“Getting safety education to hunters is a good way to improve safety in the field, and offering both the traditional lecture-style hunter education course and the online study options give hunters of all ages a chance to take the course that best suits their schedule,” IDNR Safety Education Administrator Jeff Hopkins.
Reviewing the online safety coursework is free to anyone, providing another tool for seasoned hunters to use to refresh their skills or learn about new programs and equipment each year. Anyone interested in reviewing the online coursework can to do so through the IDNR website at www.dnr.state.il.us/safety.
Those who complete the hunter safety education course and pass the final exam receive a certificate of competency. More than 17,700 students completed the course in Illinois last year.
The IDNR Safety Education office reports there were 22 hunting-related accidents in Illinois in 2009. Of those accidents, two resulted in fatalities. In one instance, a bow hunter accidentally shot a fellow hunter; in the other case, a hunter died after falling from a tree stand.
“One incident is too many, and we want hunters to be safe while enjoying their outdoor experience in Illinois,” Hopkins added. “Safety education can help that cause.”
For more information on IDNR safety education programs – and a schedule of the traditional, in-person safety education courses, check the web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/safety or call toll-free 1-800-832-2599.
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It's Hot Out There!

2010-06-04T12:05:00.000-05:00

It's hot out there - miserable, stinking, Midwestern hot. These are the type of days that send all but the most die hard outdoor enthusiasts scurrying for a cool spot. But what about those who want to continue to enjoy their outdoor pursuits even on the hottest days? A great answer to the dilemma of tolerating, functioning in, and staying outdoors in high temperature conditions lies in a cooling vest or personal cooling system.

I've been using cooling vests for years as person with MS. MS and heat do not mix. When my core temp goes up, I fall down. I not only fall down, heat exacerbates the neuropathic pain, and magnifies every symptom. I end up having the appearance of a very sweaty, messy, stumbling, bumbling, speech slurring, drunk. It is not a pretty sight in the woods or on the water. Wearing a personal cooling system alleviates those problems. Over the years, many of my outdoor companions who are healthy have also come to realize the benefits of a personal cooling system when afield.

A quick internet search will reveal there are a variety of personal cooling systems that are available for purchase, and each system has its own pros and cons for the outdoor enthusiast.

Evaporative Cooling Vests:
My personal favorites! These vests are lightweight, easily packable, and have tiny pockets of highly absorbable beads that can take in water and expand to 6 times their dry size. The vest is soaked in cool water and gently wrung out to remove excess. The vest is placed over a t-shirt and cools by evaporation; the air moves faster next to the water-logged beads, which creates a layer of cool air between the vest and the skin.

Evaporative cooling vests are generally the most inexpensive type, The vest can be simply slid into the ice water in a cooler or dunked in river, lake or stream to be rewet when necessary, making them immediately reusable. Evaporative cooling apparel is not limited to vests; seat cushions, ankle bands, hats, beanies, headbands, wristbands, floor mats, and even dog vests and cooling mats are available for our hard working four footed furry friends.

If an evaporative vest is damaged, it can be re-sewn by hand. The function of the vest isn’t seriously compromised if a few beads escape. The downfall of an evaporative type of personal cooling system is that they are not always terribly effective in humid conditions. My experience though has been good with the evaporative types, even in humid conditions such as those encountered in the river bottoms and sloughs. The ability to simply rewet frequently makes up for the lower rate of evaporative cooling. When the boat, motorcycle, 4 wheeler, etc is moving they are especially effective, however those activities sometimes will require frequent rewetting/soaking.

Polar Products makes a camouflage line of evaporative cooling products that are reasonably priced, and includes beanies, and boonie hats.

Phase Change Cooling Systems:
This type of vest contains inserts that are activated by placing them in the freezer or ice water slush, and then the inserts maintain a consistent temperature (usually 53-56 degrees F.) for up to three hours. If you are packing along a cooler with melting slushy ice water in it, extra inserts can be stored in it. The inserts can also be re-activated (10 to 20 minutes for activation) and reused.

If the investment is made in this type a vest an additional set of inserts is a wise purchase as well. The second set of inserts can be stashed in your cooler and kept at the ready when they need changed.This type of insert is not exactly an ice pack; they do not reach freezing temperatures. The upside of this is that they are unlikely to cause damage if the come into contact with bare skin and are safe for children or those who have difficulty discerning heat and cold. The inserts are activated when exposed to a temperature above freezing, and require much less time to "recharge" than an actual frozen ice pack would take. No need for a freezer when using this type, making them usable when pursuing outdoor activities where one has access to cooler, and ice water, but no access to a full fledged freezer. Additionally, the inserts do not “sweat”, so clothing stays dry.

Phase change vests can be made to fit wearers of all ages and sizes, custom vests can be made for individuals weighing more or less than the displayed vests are recommended for.

There are several downsides to the use of the phase change vests The inserts add weight to the vest, from 1 ½ to 2 lbs for children’s vests to 4 lbs or more for 3X or 4X adult sizes. However, the weight is evenly distributed on the body and is close to the individual’s center of gravity, so the balance issues associated with backpacks or weights shouldn’t be a problem. Secondly, the cost associated with a cooling vest system is much more expensive than an evaporative vest; you can expect to pay up to $200 for a vest and two sets of inserts. The phase change inserts are filled with a viscous fluid and are durable but not indestructible. If an insert is damaged it must be discarded and replaced.

Cold Pack Cooling Vests:
These vests look just like phase change cooling vests, are similar in many ways, but use actual ice packs that are frozen. This type can be problematic for an outdoor enthusiast, as a freezer can be hard to come by when enjoying outdoor pursuits. Also, the ice packs require a longer time to freeze; increasing the time a wearer might be unable to use the vest. On the upside though, these cold packs give the highest level of cooling because the cold packs are the lowest temperature, and work the best in extreme temperatures and extreme humidity levels. Extra packs can be added or changed out over time.

A cooling vest can be costly, but they can dramatically improve the quality of life for a sportsman who is disabled or has a health condition that has forced them to abandon outdoor pursuits in the hot summer months. For the disabled sportsman, or a sportsman with a health condition that results in heat intolerance, there may be certain options to cover the cost of a personal cooling system.

Most cooling vest distributors will offer a 10%-25% discount on their products if they receive documentation that the vest or other products are purchased on a doctor’s recommendation. Alternately you can save your receipt to submit the cost of cooling products towards your federal taxes. Some insurances may accept cooling vests as medical devices and while vendors are unable to submit insurance claims, you may be able to submit a claim yourself and request a refund.

Resource websites for cooling vests and products:

Polar Products Inc.

Silver Eagle Outfitters - also offers canine products

Stay Warm - Stay Cool - offers heating and cooling systems as well as cooling and warming equipment for the equine crowd.

HelpingUdders - cooling products for our hard working canine friends

Turtle Karma

2010-05-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

The daily pop up afternoon thunderstorms and the deluge of rain that comes with them, coupled with the already flooding rivers, creeks, and streams has the turtles all scrambling. The roadways are littered with smooshed turtle carcasses.

I cannot see a turtle on the road but what I am not reminded of my late friend and woods companion Skippy.

Skippy held the theory that every turtle needs a little help now and then. Many, many, a time we came to screeching halt, creating a traffic hazard while he leapt from the vehicle to give a turtle a lift across the road.

"It's just good karma" he would shrug whenever he was asked about his fanatical approach to escorting turtles from the roadside.

By the looks of things this morning there were lots of turtles that could have used Skippy's help.

In all honesty, the turtles were symbolic to my friend who suffered from Bi Polar disease, and truly only felt at peace with the world when we were deep in the forest or trailing through the fields. He occasionally found himself in need of that same type of boost across the road. When he was depressed, he couldn't move as fast as the world around him, and needed that helping hand to get him to safety.

Skippy will be gone a year in August, and I'm still struggling through all of the firsts without him, first deer season, first waterfowl season, first mushroom season and so on. But, Skippy would be happy to know that I moved three turtles to safety today, because "It's just good Karma"

I'm getting this figured out

2010-05-14T08:58:00.000-05:00

My "office" en route to shoot a fishing trip

I've just been limping along with my blogging - mostly because when I get in from the field I'm just too pooped to carry on. I have other writing assignments that have specific deadlines that I have to meet, they take precedence and my blog entries end up getting bumped to the bottom of the list...
So....what the heck am I going to about this? Carry a laptop into the field ? Not on your life.. I already drag too much stuff along...
But wait..technology is advancing daily, so I assumed there had to be something out there that would help with this.
A quick phone call to the Occupational Therapist and the problem may well be solved soon.
Why didn't I think of dictation software before?
Since I tend to write my blogs and articles in my head while I'm out shooting, why not just dictate as I go along?
Oh heavens.. I sure hope this will help me stay on track and focused a bit better..
Now to figure out just which of all of these programs will be the best fit.
I've also come to the conclusion that a smart phone is going to be in my near future. That way I can deal with messages, emails, etc while I'm just sitting there waiting in the blind or the weeds for that perfect creature to walk into my "shooting lane" . Oh the choices...I'm getting drug into the 21st century and the world of technology whether or not I want to go!
Any suggestions dear readers?

My Mother, My Teacher

2010-05-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

It 's Mother's Day - a day that we remember and honor our mothers. For me my mother was also my best teacher, my best mentor and my best field guide for the forests and fields of Southern Illinois.

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t recognize my best teacher, mentor, and the woman who instilled in me a deep love of the forest and the fields and all that they contain today.

That woman was my mother, reserved and stoic woman who didn’t talk much about feelings or memories.; Occasionally sharing stories of the difficulties of living in the Depression, brothers who left home to join the CCC, and literally living out of what could be gathered, found, dug, caught and brought from the woods.

Her adult life was not an easy one – filled with farm work and houseful of children that had the oldest and youngest 21 years apart. But when she stepped into the woods, she was a different person. My mother knew the woods and the fields intimately. She understood the relationships between the plants, creatures, weather patterns.; She taught me to notice how the ground felt under my feet, how the air felt on my face and how the scents of plants and fungi would carry on the breeze.I still use and carry her field guides, with their hastily scribbled notations in the margins of things like "found in Mae Ketchum's creekbottom" and "Ward (her brother) was wrong about this ".

I dig out her field journals and notes when I'm stumped about something; looking for an answer that I can't find via all of the resources we have today.

The endless days we spent wandering about were filled with hidden lessons. A sudden firm tug downward on the back of my shirt meant that I should sit down and be quiet – then she would point at the raccoons, rabbits, turkeys and other creatures that we would encounter during our travels. Silently we would sit watching them go about their business, and then she would explain their role in “big circle of things” to me.I didn't realize at the time that what I considered going to the woods to play was my mother's way of insuring that the traditions and knowledge of living out of the woods would be passed on. If asked what a plant was - she handed me a field guide and early on taught me how to "key it out " - once I had found the plant in the field guide, only then would she commence to explain it further.

Because I developed a love for snakes before I ever got to school, she made a point of teaching me which ones I could pick up and which ones I could not. This became necessary after I brought a cotton mouth home in my bucket one day. I was pleased as punch with that snake; my father was horrified at the thought of what could have happened.I can still hear him shouting at her, “You have got to do something about this!! She’s going to wind up dead!” Looking back that was a frequent exchange between my parents, with my mother simply answering, " Oh she'll be fine.. she knows the woods..stop worrying."

My mother taught by example which plants solved the most common problems – always I got a good rub down with jewel weed smashed into a paste when I came out of the woods. She made a point showing me that jewel weed nearly always grew in the same spots as vicious poison ivy – an example of nature taking care of us.

She taught me which roots and leaves and flowers were best and which ones should not be given in certain circumstances. Squaw root – Don’t give it to pregnant women – it causes contractions and could cause a miscarriage; this advice offered with an arched eyebrow and a direct look that explained the hidden meaning behind it. Squaw root could also be used to "bring on" a woman's menses if she was concerned because they had stopped. Watch how much yellow root you take in – it’s a powerful diuretic. Comfrey has tremendous wound healing properties. Valerian can be used as an anti anxiety and sleep aid. St. John's wort would help lift a depression. The list was endless it seemed.

Mom was also a conservationist making sure that I understood when wild foraging, hunting, fishing, anything that could be consumptive use , I was cautious to always put back, not over harvest, and leave some to grow for next season.

She inherently knew where the most endangered plants were. I always felt like she was going to make me sign in blood that I would never reveal their whereabouts. She maintained a woodland garden at her home so that visitors could see the rarest of the native lilies, orchids and gentians without having to give away their whereabouts to strangers.

The day she finally felt I was old enough to understand about the rarity and preciousness of the yellow Lady Slipper orchids was a rite of passage. Although, getting to them required a machete and hacking through thickets of bittersweet vines and scaling bluffs that seemed endless. At one point I simply sat down a refused to fight the bittersweet any longer. With a stern and somewhat solemn look, she told me, " Listen here missy - nothing worthwhile in life is ever going to be easy, so get off your fanny and let's go." And I did. And I continue to hear that statement in my head when the going gets rough and ragged and hard in the woods.

I remember with clarity the look she gave me as she began to enter her golden years, when I suggested she wear an orange vest so we could find more easily find her if she fell or had problems in the woods. Her bright blue eyes suggested that there was place for that vest I had in my hands it wasn’t on her back.

When she was diagnosed with leukemia she was a good sport and tried the chemo that modern medicine offered her. She didn’t like it and announced to her oncologist one day that there would be no more. It made her too sick to go to the woods, and the woods would heal her, thank you very much.

And the woods did heal her. Inexplicably to the medical community she went into full remission and stayed that way for over ten years. It was simple to us – the woods is good medicine and the woods provides good medicine.

At the end of her life she developed a particularly aggressive and fast growing cancer, but she continued to travel to her favorite creek bottom until about a month before she died. When we expressed concern that maybe she was too frail , too weak, she gave use a glaring look filled with lightning bolts and simply said “ I’m going to die at some point, probably sooner than later. So what if it’s where I’m happy in the woods? “

We buried her ashes under a cedar tree next to her brother who had traveled the country spending his life in the woods as well.

Happy mother’s Day Mom, and thanks for taking the time to pass on all you knew.

Neglected..Neglected...

2010-05-05T08:34:00.001-05:00

Ah yes - this poor neglected blog. Shame on me! Do I have a good reason?
Absolutely not!
Chalk it up to poor time management skills? Sheer laziness? Sheer exhaustion?
Who knows. It just seems that I'm always out in the field. When I get back in, I'm so exhausted that just getting picures downloaded and processed is sometimes a trick, not to mention keeping up with my entries at Praire State Outdoors.
Then there's that whole print market that for some odd reaso nactually has deadines...
The crazy part of this is that almost the whole time I'm out there in the field I'm mentally blogging and writing away.. and when I'm in the car traveling the backroads of IL I'm running through how to blog the day's adventures. Even the photos I take; I take with the blogs in mind.
Then once I'm home and at my desk I look up at the clock and realize that in about 6 hours or so I'm going to need to be back out there in the field.. Sleep or blog?
Recently sleep has been winning.
So what's the solution? I'm wondering how others in the outdoor industry find the way to balance the time in the field with the time at the desk.
Hmmmm beginning to think I'm going to have to either go high tech with a smart phone or dare I say it.. drag the laptop along and work through things quickly before I ever leave the field .
Outdoor bloggers - please help me out here!!

Spring Burn Time!

2010-03-22T10:33:00.002-05:00

I had the great fortune to be able to tag along two steps behind DNR staff during spring burn time at Pyramid State Park last week.
There is just something very primal about the huge walls of fire and ash racing across the prairie. After the fire has passed I can barely wait to get into the burned areas and see what has been revealed. For me the burns are a true sign that spring has arrived.

Partnering with Public Libraries

2010-02-08T06:25:00.000-06:00

The Outdoor Bloggers Summit issued a challenge to it's members, to blog about how we could get everyone to play outdoors, how we can introduce children to the outdoors and help them have a green hour each day.
For me partnering with our local public library has been a wonderful experience. Many small and rural libraries struggle with funding issues. These libraries often are barely able to meet expenses, let alone have any funds left over for programs or something as small as a magazine subscription or new book purchase.
A quick and easy way to start is to offer the library your outdoor related magazines when you have finished reading them. Same with any of your outdoor related books. Better yet consider donating a subscription to Ranger Rick or one of the childrens oriented outdoor magazines.

Meet with the librarian and brain storm about possible programs and activities you can provide. Feeder Watch is an relatively low cost project to set up. Place a feeder or two in area where young patrons can watch and identify the birds. A small display of bird books and field guides nearby is also helpful. Not only does the library benefit, but by working with the youngsters we are help to build relationships with those same children.
I can't tell you how exciting it is to receive a phone call from one of my library kids saying " Miss Gretchen guess what I saw today!"
The National Wildlife Federation's BE OUT THERE program is full of great ideas and materials that can easily translate to a program for young library patrons. and virtually all state DNR's offer many free downloadable and printable activities and programs that can be used to fashion specific programs. Here in Illinois the DNR has been most generous with materials for programs
If your library does story hour, volunteer to be the story teller and pick a story that has to do with enjoying the outdoors. If your library offers a craft day, volunteer to help make milk carton bird feeders, or a similar project.
Consider having a WILD Occupations day for the teen patrons. Gather up several of your contacts that have wild occupations and help the teens see what educational choices should be made and what occupations are out there.
Another fun activity is to "sponsor" a poster or art contest with an outdoor related theme. Followed by of course an exhibit of the young patrons work.
In today's struggling economy we have seen library patronage increase, buying books and reading materials have been removed from many family budgets, as has internet service. Your library can order many titles through interlibrary loan, and provide free internet access. Offer to build a list of good internet sites that relate to the outdoors that librarians can share with interested patrons.
As you can see, a little enthusiasm on your part makes the opportunities endless.

So my challenge to you my readers is to visit your public library, offer your services, and begin to help the children and adults in your community discover the importance of playing outside!

Updated Info on Collared Trumpeter Swans

2010-02-06T11:31:00.001-06:00

I've been getting lots of the great reports back from USGS regarding the collard swans that I was lucky enough to observe in late December.
So far here's what I've learned:

One collared in 2000 in Winchester, Wisconson
Two collared in 2002 ; one in Grantsburg, WI the other in St. Germain, WI
One collared in 2004 in Hayward, WI
Three collared in 2005; two in Powell, WI and one in St. Germain, WI
One collared in 2006 in Necadah, WI
Once collared in 2007 in City Point, WI
One Collared in 2008 in Hayward, WI
Six Collared in 2009 in Hayward, WI ( The group of cygnets)

All were collared when they were too young to fly, and all were listed as sex unknown. Also, all were collared by Wisconsin Department of Natural resources.

As more reports come in I'll be sharing them here as well. What was amazing to me was that the one collared in 2000 was still going, still alive and well.

I've been hearing from lots of friends across Southern Illinois that have been sighting even more swans. Soon as as I'm able I'll be back out on the Swan Trail, searching for more of these majestic beauties, hoping to find even more that are collared.

If you are a swan lover like me, don't forget to visit The Trumpeter Swan Society's web site - it's a great place with tons of info about these gorgeous birds.

Note To Self

2010-01-24T15:16:00.000-06:00

NEVER while recovering from a MS relapse, in the midst of a steroid psychosis , or just plain recovering from any health crisis, should one decide that it would be a good time to completely over haul ones blog design. 6 hours of frustration and confusion and I give up!
I am hoping that as soon as all of my cognitive skills fall magically back in place I will be able to do some serious work this. I have visions of a more magazine style layout. That however will have to wait until the synapses are firing a bit better.
So until then..just enjoy the plainness of it all as I work towards fixing all the muck ups I made this morning!

Headed Around the Bend

2010-01-21T06:51:00.000-06:00

In more ways than one. My dear hubby says the IV steroids always make me a "little nutty" so I've been traveling that curvy road the few days. However today I think we're turning the corner for the straight stretch!
Finished up the yucky IV meds yesterday, got rid of all the lines, poles, pumps and assorted medical flotsam and jetsam that can quickly fill up a living room. The dogs maybe a little sad, they were pretty sure some of those nifty and funny smelling things were indeed put in place for their entertainment alone .I think they will also welcome the rest from working so hard as the excellent service helpers they have been last week or so. I am predicting a very restful and relaxing day with lots of napping around this household today.

Have been really missing being able to do any photogrpahy work..it is art therapy for me after all, but my helper has set up trail cameras all around my bird feeding stations so I feel like I'm still snapping a few here and there.

Feel like today is going to be a good day and things will start getting back to normal! Whoopee!!

A few of the trail cam birds just for fun :)

Down for the count

2010-01-18T16:14:00.000-06:00

Seems as though my MS has decided it's time to bite me in the fanny. Sort of my annual falling over. Back on the bed/couch/fouton drill and using all the nifty wheeled contraptions to get around.
Happy that I'm able to have my IV treatments at home so I can hang out with my dogs and watch the birds from the patio doors.
The upside I'm getting lots of info and collecting data for back yard feeder watch:)
I'll be back full force soon...

Turkeys in the Sun

2010-01-14T04:37:00.001-06:00

My friendly flock of wild turkeys seems to be as happy as all the other neighborhood residents that the sun is back out and the temperatures are on the rise again for a few days. They've been out scampering and scratching around the past few afternoons. By the looks of things, this years Spring Turkey Season should be a darn fine one.

Collared Snow/Blue Goose

2010-01-13T07:00:00.003-06:00

Yep I do enjoy watching for and searching out the collared birds. Much like my waterfowl hunting friends who become jubilant when they down one of the banded birds, I do the same happy dance when I'm able to locate a bird with neck collar.

I love to transcribe the numbers and dutifully send them to USGS just to see where these lovely creatures have come from.
Yesterday while sitting amid a virtual tornado of snow geese (light geese if you prefer) I caught a flash of green around ones neck flash over head.
Locking the focus on the bird I snapped and snapped.. hoping for an image that would enable me to read the entire collar number and report it.

That bird soared and squeaked , and circled taunting and teasing me before coming to rest just a few yards from where I was nestled. After the initial 15 minute or so merry chase.. the posing began !

I've dutifully entered the info at the USGS web site and am anxiously awaiting the report on this fellow!

Update on the Collared Swans

2010-01-12T02:10:00.000-06:00

I've already started receiving information from USGS about the collared swans I saw a week or so ago!

I've gotten info back so far on the family group - the cygnets and one of the adults:

The cygnets were too young to fly when they were banded in 2009. They were banded in Hayward, Wisconsin by Richard Kahl WI DNR
The adult was too young to fly when it was banded in 2006 in Necedah Wisconsin by Richard Kahl of WI DNR.

Can't wait to see the info on the others!

Some Days You Just Need To See Birds Fly

2010-01-12T01:49:00.001-06:00

'Nuff said.

Peabody River King

2010-01-10T10:14:00.004-06:00

Made a slow lap through Peabody River King Fish and Wildlife Area yesterday while killing time before heading out for the afternoon goose hunt.

The reclaimed strip mine ground offers up some gorgeous winter vistas. Not many creatures stirring in the single digit temps and sub zero wind chills, but a large variety of tracks and paths by the wildlife were present.

Collared Trumpeter Swans

2010-01-09T10:45:00.000-06:00

Through the network from fellow birdwatchers I received word that the trumpeters were starting to arrive in force near the lock and dam in Alton, and especially good numbers could be found at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the Missouri side of the river.
My heart soared much like the gorgeous elegant birds flying over head, as I made the first turn out from under the Lewis and Clark Bridge.

The swans had arrived and large numbers of them were in good light, and great spots for photographs! A quick dash into the visit center to check the bird number boards and locations revealed that over the previous two days the swan numbers were growing rapidly and nearly 600 were on the refuge that day.
I had high hopes of being able to gather some collar numbers for the Trumpter Swan Society and also for USGS and Illinois Swan watch. Little did I know just how many collared birds I would be able find that morning!
I was able to retrieve a total of 17 collar numbers, and spotted an additonal 11 collared swans but couldn't make out the entire collar numbers. It was especially exciting to discover a family that all members were collared and the cygnets were collared with succesive numbers.

Yes indeed there was a batty old broad in camo doing the happy dance all along the edges of the ponds and potholes !!

This group of Canadas brought a giggle when they discovered they only thought they were landing on open water..and had a resulting pile up when they hit slicker ice.

Nothing can compare with the elegance of the trumpeters in flight with the subtle whoosh whoosh of their wings that sounds so much like a tafetta skirt rustling in the breeze.

I'll be heading back to check on my friends the swans and the eagles this coming week - the icing over of the river should provide me with some excellent opportunities :)

Back and Little Buzzy

2010-01-09T09:55:00.000-06:00

Once again all the holiday wear and tear bumped me into a little bit of an MS relapse that knocked me out for a few days. Then once I determined it was indeed the beginning of the relapse and not just everyday holiday burn out and fatigue, it was time to call in the big guns medication wise. They make me nutty and buzzy, just think ADD to the nth dgeree but they are working well, and I'm back on my feet with a most attractive weeble like gait. My vision has cleared and no more trouble focusing or double vision so my cameras and I are back in business! Now to get all caught up with the posts I've been failing to make these past two weeks.
I've gotten so many good ideas from my fellow out door bloggers at Outdoor Bloggers Summit , and my visits with others in the outdoor world, I can't wait to get started again!

A Huge Thank You!!

2009-12-21T13:10:00.000-06:00

Youth Recruitment and retention is a hot topic in the realm of outdoor recreation today. I just want to take a moment to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who put forth such effort, helping make the first annual DownRiver Outdoors Celebrity Youth Hunt success.

First off - our Celebrities who were so very generous with their time and skills.

Chris Akins Pro dog trainer and handler
Danny Cox Former MLB player
Tim Grounds 5 time World Goose Calling Champion
Curt Hicken Outdoor author and broadcast personality
Scott Huschle Outdoor author and broadcast personality
John Mabry Former MLB player
Marc Miller Director, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Larry Reid Outdoor author and broadcast personality

Shoot Like a Girl !

2009-12-19T19:17:00.001-06:00

Olivia Thoele, age 15 on her first waterfowl hunt

I was quite honored to be selected the photographer for the 1st Annual DownRiver Outdoors Celebrity Youth Duck Hunt held today. Rest assured that there will be many more photos and tales to come from last nights wonderful dinner and festivities at our host The Hunt Club in Percy, IL as well of the great fun in the field on the hunt today - but I just couldn't wait to share share my tale about a wonderful, articulate, self assured 15 year old girl I met last night.

Although she is an avid deer hunter this was Olivia's first waterfowl hunt. After learning she had been selected as one of the participants in the 1st Annual DownRiver Outdoors Celebrity Youth Duck Hunt - just a couple of short weeks ago - Olivia began practicing with some clay birds in order to get ready.

Olivia Thoele and her celebrity hunting partner for the day

Marc Miller

Director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources

When we received the call from her guide that Olivia's first waterfowl shot fired dropped the bird as if she'd been doing it for years a cheer went up! First bird of the hunt to go down, first waterfowl hunt for Olivia, first shot out of the blind! What a morning of firsts for this attractive, articulate and wonderful young lady. Olivia drew Marc Miller, Director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources as her celebrity partner and Miller stated that just seeing her face light up and her smile explode when she dropped that duck has made this the best hunt of my life!

Olivia's proud father, Olivia, and Marc Miller

I think it's safe to say - she's hooked on waterfowling for life!

Olivia was our only girl participant - What a gal!

SHOOT LIKE A GIRL - IF YOU CAN!

Don't Shoot a Swan In Illinois!

2009-12-16T13:21:00.005-06:00

One again the news has been filled with the sad report of a trumpeter swan mistaken for a snow goose. In this most recent case it was a mated pair who were injured. KSDK-TV in St. Louis reports:

The Missouri Wildlife Commission arrested two people suspected of shooting two trumpeter swans.

The birds were shot with shotgun pellets on Friday in Winfield.

Other duck hunters in Winfield contacted the Missouri Wildlife Commission about the shooting.

The birds are being treated at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park. the female bird is expected to have surgery today 12/15. The male bird was not expected to have surgery. Treatment for the birds was estimated to cost between $7,000 and $10,000.

Officials were hopeful the birds may be rereleased into the wild in six to 10 weeks depending on how the surgery and recovery goes.

Trumpeter swans mate for life and officials suspect the birds were a couple. An excellent accounting can be found on the World Bird Sanctuary's blog

Personally – even given the fact that I am lousy at identifying ducks in flight – I find it hard to believe a hunter could mistake a trumpeter swan for a snow goose. Indeed it is easy to play the blame game as fellow waterfowl hunter Larry “ Legend” Osborn noted during a discussion of this problem.

“You asked how does this happen every year? A very good question. I think as hunters we should shoulder some of the responsibility for not coming along side novice and under experienced waterfowlers. I have often hunted with others who have 5, 8, 12, years in the field who can't tell a woodie from a scissor bill (merganser). We as seasoned hunters should stress to them the importance of knowing what their shooting at ! It's easy it play the blame game but we who truly love the sport could do more. No one wants to hurt swans - lets hope so and lets not be afraid to tell our hunting friends to study up so that less mistakes happen in the field. “

Illinois DNR has been clear about how to tell the difference between swans and snows – a great many public waterfowl hunting areas where swans have been seen have the guide that appears in the DNR Hunting Digest and Waterfowl Digest posted clearly near the hunter sign in areas.

Don’t Make a mistake! All Wild Swans are protected in Illinois.

The Trumpeter Swan Society has an excellent identification guide available as a PDF from their web site. Perhaps it would behoove us to print a copy to have stashed in the truck or blind bag to share with other waterfowl hunters from time to time. The USGS also has an excellent online waterfowl identification guide available here

Another way you can help is to report any swan sighting that you have to the Illinois DNR Waterfowl program at:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Waterfowl Program

700 South 10th Street

Havana, IL 62644

(309) 543-3065

Don’t Shoot a Swan

Remember!

TRUMPETER SWAN

Protected Species.
Long neck
Length: 4 ft.
Wingspan: 7 ft.
Weight: 20 - 30 lbs.

SNOW GOOSE

Legally hunted.
Short neck
Length: 1 1/2 ft.
Wingspan: 3 1/2 ft.
Weight: 3 - 6 lbs.

It's Feeder Watch Time!

2009-12-16T08:17:00.000-06:00

Help Project FeederWatch Track Backyard Birds

From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

What happens in the backyard should not stay in the backyard—at least when it comes to bird feeders. By sharing information about which birds visit their feeders between November and April, backyard bird watchers can help scientists track changes in bird numbers and movements from year to year, through Project FeederWatch, a citizen-science program from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada.

Project FeederWatch begins on November 14 and runs through early April. Taking part is easy. Anyone can count the numbers and kinds of birds at their feeders and enter their information on the FeederWatch website. Participants submitted nearly 117,000 checklists last season. Since 1987, more than 40,000 people from the United States and Canada have taken part in the project.

“To get the most complete picture of bird movements, we always need new sets of eyes to tell us what species are showing up at backyard feeders,” says David Bonter, leader of Project FeederWatch. “Participants always tell us how much fun it is and how good it feels to contribute to our understanding of birds by submitting their sightings.”

Project FeederWatch is for people of all ages and skill levels. To learn more and to sign up, visit www.feederwatch.org or call the Cornell Lab toll-free at (866) 989-2473. In return for the $15 fee ($12 for Cornell Lab members) participants receive the FeederWatcher’s Handbook, an identification poster of the most common feeder birds, a calendar, complete instructions, and Winter Bird Highlights, an annual summary of FeederWatch findings.

'Tis the Season

2009-12-14T05:18:00.000-06:00

Tis the season and I don't mean Christmas. Finally after a slow start with the early days of waterfowl season in Illinois Southern Zone, the birds are arriving. Artic cold fronts and blowing snow for our northern neighbors has finally driven the waterfowl south. Snows and blues pouring in as if they were being dumped from the sky by the bucketful, Canadas tumbling into the corn fields in huge honking groups, and the ducks, at last the ducks screaming overhead and dropping into the stip pit lakes like battalions of fighter jets.
Tis the season - so this where I'll be.. running the rivers and the sloughs along the Southern Illinois section of the Mississippi flyway. Up every day around 0330, following the birds. braving the frigid winds, the rain and the snow. Slogging through muddy fields, and hunkered down in the blinds and the pits. A car full of cammo,cameras and dog treats, that smells distinctly of wet dog, cheap cigarettes, and blue mud. Muddy boots litter the hatch back., Bibs are draped across the back seat so they can dry and air out a bit. Muddy paw prints dance across the console and the dash. Floorboards littered with empty coffee cups and cigarette packs. There's a tangle of chargers for the phone, the cameras and the laptop cascading out of the dash. If you see a slightly frazzled, slightly frozen lady barrelling along in full killer weed camo and headed towards the water. just wave - I'm on a mission because, 'tis the season. I'll see you when the birds go home.

A Super Blind and Camera Bag from Avery

2009-12-06T14:20:00.006-06:00

photo courtesy of Avery

Field Test Report – Avery Outdoors Pro Grade Blind Bag

The Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag is a must have for serious outdoor photographers and hunters alike who carry film and photographic equipment into the field, As a hunter, fisher, and an outdoor photojournalist I routinely carry a large amount of photographic equipment into the field, as I never know when that perfect money shot will occur. Until receiving the Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag to review, the amount of gear I tend to pack into the field has proven to be problematic. I photograph hunts, outdoor events, field trials and wildlife. I hunt with a camera versus a weapon most days. Consequently I find myself in the same harsh outdoor climates as other hunters do. I particularly love photographing waterfowl and waterfowl hunting, as evidenced by these scenes from the 2009 opening day at Silver Creek Hunt Club.

The conditions encountered with that particular specialty have long made me fear for the safety of my equipment. I had good camera bags – but they weren’t camouflaged and stuck out like a waving a red flag. I had cammo bags but they weren’t sturdy enough, padded enough or designed to hold camera gear that included large lenses and camera bodies.

The Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag has solved my issues!

The Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag sports a very spacious 1200 cubic inch watertight main interior compartment protected by closed cell padding. Add to that an extra removable layer insert to increase protection from the elements, and a strapped zip top liner bag. The provision of the removable and completely customizable (via easily moveable padded dividers) inner bag, is plus for photographers working in cold conditions. The bag filled with your lenses and bodies can be pulled out and carried inside to warmer temps without resorting to the tedious plastic bag method we have all grown accustomed to, in order to prevent deadly condensation on our equipment. I currently have two large DSLR bodies, a 200 2.8, a 400mm, 300mm, and a short zoom – in just the interior compartment.

A total of 24 pockets and storage options are another big plus. A map pocket conveniently located on the rear of the bag has become a handy home to various maps of course, but also to an odd assortment of media passes, vehicle hang tags, and a reporter’s notebook and pen. The large easily expandable end pockets have plenty of room for a GPS, Cell Phone, extra battery packs and grips, among other often used items. The front expandable pouch is perfect for storing shorter lenses, leaving them within easy reach and keeping me from having to completely open the whole bag just to gain access to a lens. The multiple mesh zip pockets within the pockets and thoughtful addition of a snap hook for keys, makes it easy to stash all those small parts that often end up in a heap in the bottom of a bag. The mesh makes it easy to see and find those tiny items quickly.

Exterior D-rings and web loops to attach tripods, Bushahwks, a collapsible monopod or walking/shooting stick and other large gear, are another plus. The Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag also features a contoured carrying handle for sure grip, a huge improvement over other camera bags I have owned. Often I have a back pack on, a portable blind slung over a shoulder, and usually an additional gear bag containing tools for wild foraging. I especially liked the contoured carrying handle versus the tangled mess of straps on the tops of other bags I have owned. It is comfortable and makes carrying the bag much easier over long hakes with no hand fatigue. The padded shoulder strap featuring Avery’s exclusive ABT Shoulder Pad is also an excellent feature, making slinging the bag across a my shoulders to carry much more comfortable, with none of that frequent sliding around that I often found annoying in other types of bag.

Avery also thoughtfully provides a combination lock to enhance the security of your equipment, although when it comes to adequately securing my equipment when it is away from me during travel, location shoots and events I still will rely on the pelican cases, or a similar product. The small combination lock is handy when setting the bag down at a busy event, but I don’t feel it’s truly secure enough to use as my sole security system when traveling.

The Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag has put an end to stashing my gear bag under piles of leaves, brush, coats jackets etc. My old method always left me wondering what types of dirt, dust and debris I was introducing into the delicate electronics of my camera gear. Now I can simply rely on the bag’s cammo pattern to blend in and hide the bag, while it protects my contents inside. The cammo pattern that Avery provided me with is the Killer Weed 1 pattern. A most effective pattern for me given my proclivity for waterfowl work, and my habit of fashioning hiding spots and temporary blinds in any available weed patch I can find.

Don’t let the Pro in the bag name sway you. This bag is not just for professional photographers! It’s well designed and well thought out product for any hunter who wants to take cameras, video cameras or any other valuable/delicate gear into the field in a protected heavy-duty, cammo, water proof, unit that floats. The spacious and well designed storage system of this bag has dramatically decreased the number of bags I must carry into the field. Now with the exception of a portable blind, I can pack everything I will need for a day a field in the Avery Pro Grade Blind bag and my jacket pockets, including my beloved snacks and extra small cloth bags for collecting plants and mushrooms! Stay tuned for additional reviews at the end of waterfowl season when we will judge the durability of a bag that will have truly been put through its paces.

The Avery Pro Grade Blind Bag comes in a variety of cammo patterns : Avery Killer Weed -1 ( the pattern on the bag provided to me by Avery), Avery Buck Brush, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, and Mossy Oak New Break Up. For more information about this great gear bag, contact my favorite Avery Dealer Scott at Downriver Game Calls, contact your nearest Avery dealer, call 1-800-333-5119 or visit www.averyoutdoors.com.

just a little legal stuff to keep all happy - the item reviewed was provided to me free of charge to field test and review

Oyster Mushrooms - A Cold Weather Treat!

2009-12-01T21:24:00.006-06:00

When I heard a novice shroomer mutter just the other day that he was hanging up his sack for the season, I loudly exclaimed - "NOOOO!!! Not Yet!!!"
Here in Southern Illinois it seems many think morels arethe only wild edible mushroom, or that mushrooms are for the soggy wet springs, or any number of other myths about collecting and foraging for wild mushrooms.
Granted, I most likely fall into that Hard Core segment of the mushroom hunting community. Burning up the boot leather, wading through the swamps and sloughs, up the bluffs and through the thickets, I'm out there looking every month of the year, and I've harvested wild mushrooms in every month of he year.
That's not to say that the winter harvests are large, and normally it's only the Oysters that I can find in January and February and that's only if the weather patterns play out just right. But good heavens - NEVER hang up your shroom sack - never assume "the season is over".
All it takes is that mysterious and mystical just right mix of tempeture and moisture and poof! there's a nice little flush.
Here it is - December 1st - and tonights supper was a Oyster mushroom (freshly cut today) Fritatta.
Hang up my sack for the season pffft - not when beauties like these are still popping.

Here's the recipe for that delicious frittata we enjoyed - give it a whirl with any wild mushrooms you have! It makes for quick and easy supper when you've been in the field all day be it hunting or foraging.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups coarsely chopped wild mushrooms
1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
Coarse salt and pepper
12 eggs, beaten
Dash of half-and-half
1 half medium red onion chopped
1 bell pepper ( red, green, yellow whatever you have) chopped
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1/2 cup Parmesan

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet, with oven safe handle over medium to medium-high heat.

To hot pan, add oil and mushrooms. Season mushrooms, onions and peppers with thyme, salt and pepper. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until all of the veggies are tender. Beat eggs with salt and pepper, dash of half-and-half, and hot sauce. Pour over the mushrooms. Lift and settle eggs in the pan as they brown on the bottom. When the eggs are set but remain uncooked on top, transfer to oven for 7 or 8 minutes, until frittata is golden brown and puffy. Sprinkle the frittata with cheese and return to the oven for 1 or 2 minutes.

Serves six

Bluebird Skies

2009-12-01T06:02:00.004-06:00

Bluebird skies dawning at Silver Creek

Success for Bob and Adam Rutkowski of Team SILO despite the bluebird skies
Both limited out on scaup - giving the pups Nes and Piper their wish - ducks to retrieve!

The endless days of bluebird skies, high pressure systems, and failure of migratory waterfowl to have an early entrance to the Southern Zone has made for some tough waterfowl hunting in Southern Illinois so far this season. The conversation among waterfowlers seems to always begin with - "you even seeing birds yet?"
There have been small numbers taken, but nothing in comparision to what we will see soon.
Just this morning as I listened to the weather forecast, for snow, dropping temps, and reports of northern and western storms, I felt my heart sing - Bad weather is good for the ducks ! Bring on the cold drizzle, low lying clouds, and spits of snow and bring on the ducks!

My best pals and pit buddies Adam and Piper.

Adam coming back from chasing down a cripple that needed dispatched.

Adam and Piper - Ever vigilant Piper, a quivering mass of lab pup just waiting to hear "dead duck down!" her command to launch.

2009-12-01T05:00:00.010-06:00

The huge skeins of migrating snow geese have began to pour into southern Illinois this past week. I’ve been spending every day catting around from waterfowl refuge to waterfowl refuge in SW IL checking numbers and watching them steadily increase the past seven days. Both Pyramid State Park and Baldwin Fish and Wildlife Area have seen great increases in the snow goose numbers this week.

My love affair with the snows began with a Christmas tree ornament that hung on my mother's tree each year. A delicate hand painted snow goose winging it's way across a deep blue winter night sky. Recalling the days when a snow goose sighting was rare in IL, recalling the days when my uncles longed to see a snow wing across the sky during their duck hunting excursions.

If you haven't seen these white birds on their annual migration, you are missing one of nature's truly awe inspiring sights. Most Illinois hunters are familiar with the V formations of Canada geese crisscrossing the sky as they rise from each morning from their roosts, noisily making their way to their feeding grounds. As wonderful as that daily show is for hunters and bird watchers – it just doesn’t compare with the huge flocks of snow geese (or light geese if you prefer) that are arriving en masse in Southern Illinois right now.

Canadas tend to leave the roost in family groups, and relatively small formations, but snow geese do not. Instead, they roar skyward in what can only be described as a conflagration of ear splitting calling, chattering, honking, and whistling with wings roaring that can be heard easily a quarter mile away. Often followed by yet another huge en masse exodus..and another.. and another. Literally thousands of the white, grey, and blue geese just erupt skyward in an ear splitting roar.

In the 1970’s, the MCP was estimated at a fairly stable 600,000 birds. Currently the most recent figures put the population in excess of 2.75 million. Yes million. The snow goose population has experienced explosive growth in the last 30 years that seems to be often attributed to the change in farming practices.

The most recent data gleaned from the USFWS 2009 report states that during the 2009 MWS biologists counted 2753400 light geese. A 12% increase over 2008 numbers.

Back in the early 1970s, the nation's farmers embraced the concept of no-till farming practices. By following no till practices, the waste grain that used be tilled under is now left on top of the ground provided large amounts of easy feeding for the migrators.

Snow geese began arriving in Illinois in small but viable numbers in the early 1990s. Most likely they came as a result of overcrowding in their traditional flyways. Once in Illinois the birds quickly learned to take advantage of the perfect habitat available to them.

While this sounds like a waterfowl hunters dream come true – it’s not without problems. Many farmers have lost entire fields of winter wheat to the huge flocks with voracious appetites, and the seemingly explosive population numbers have led to significant concerns about the tundra breeding grounds.

There are now estimated 5 million geese in just the Central and Mississippi flyways — It's an increase of about 300 percent since the mid-70s, according to federal data. Another 1 million snow geese use the Atlantic flyway. This over population causes many scientists to fear the potential risk to the delicate nesting habitats of the snow and light geese.

While the goose population has been growing at a tremendous clip, available habitat has remained constant, and due to the fragile nature of this sub-Arctic land, the habitat is considered by many scientists to be in great danger.

The nesting grounds are for the most part tundra, a few feet of soil covering a layer of permanently frozen earth. Given an incredibly short growing season, plants may take years to recover if they are removed or killed. As goose nest density increases, the plant life the birds rely on is becoming scarce, and it can take over 15 years to renew itself.

"At some point, the whole system will collapse. Basically, the habitat is out of control," said Robert Rockwell, a population biologist with the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

However until that happens hunters and bird watchers alike in Illinois can avail themselves of the sight of thousands and thousands of snow geese raucously dropping from the skies throughout the winter months, and hunters especially can continue enjoy the Conservation Order snow goose hunting seasons which will begin the day after the regular Canada goose season ends in each zone and continue through next March 31.

RIP Old Friend

2009-11-17T06:32:00.004-06:00

Mere days before a scheduled shoot for opening day of waterfowl season, my old trusted friend , my back up, my cropped sensor extra reach camera bit the dust. I depend heavily on two cameras with a third for those just in case moments. I don't like to be swapping lenses in the field - way too much dirt and debris can get in the delicate electronic parts of my digital SLRS. My primary camera is a canon 5D and my back ups were Canon Rebel Xti's. Yes WERE. Last Wednesday morning I was happily banging off shot after shot of incoming snow geese when there was a bad noise.. a very bad noise..a heart stopping, stomach churning noise - and then nothing. No amount of fiddling, coaxing, battery changing could breathe an ounce of life into the my camera. I like the cropped sensor at times better than the full frame because it gives me that little bit of extra reach with my 400mm lens. After much wailing and gnashing of teeth and many phone calls to Canon and various service partners it was determined that my faithful Xti had died an ugly death. "Lady - you just wore it out plain and simple" said the Canon rep.
Great!!! My stomach was in knots - waterfowl season opener is Saturday morning and I'm down one camera, and raggedy old third backup camera! This is not going to work so I hurriedly replaced it with the new version of the Canon Rebel the T1i.
Ahhh.. back in business. I mounted up the 400 and aimed back at the sky - once again to capture the snow geese floating down into the field near Baldwin Lake. instead of the gentle soft whir of the auto focus motor on my Sigma EX 400MM there was a terrible grinding shrieking sound.. the auto focus motor on the 400 was shooting craps! More wailing and gnashing of teeth more hysterical phone calls.
" You have to understand " I wailed to the Sigma service department " I shoot with this lens DAILY! It's Waterfowl Season, I have assignments, This cannot be happening right now!"
The Sigma service department was outstanding, assigned me a specific tech, who murmured kind , compassionate reassurances that she would personally expedite the warranty repairs on the lens. It was almost as if she was patting my hand and saying, " there, there, it will be okay.."
After determining exactly when I absolutely had to have it back we formed a plan and the lens is currently in her capable hands. Sigma's service and warranty department have always been outstanding and responsive. The four year warranty that comes with the EX series of lenses is a life saver for pro shooters such as myself who tend to really put the lenses through their paces on a daily basis.
I was crushed that I wouldn't have my good dependable, 400 that was fast, gave me great image quality, and really reached out there , but I knew I could limp through with my 300mm lens in the coming days. Nestled in the blinds and pits I would have a ring side seat and hopefully I wouldn't miss that extra 100mm of reach.
Once my initial horror wore off my spirit was lightened by this poem written by a fellow TEAM SILO member "Big Foot" .
I incorporated it into a scrapbook page memorializing the Xti that served me so well for so long.
RIP Old Friend.

The Pelicans Are Arriving!

2009-11-10T10:26:00.004-06:00

The migrating American White Pelicans are passing through Southern Illinois right now -
To read more about the pelicans you can visit my column on Prairie State Outdoors where I discuss them a bit more in depth.
These highly social birds are such entertaining creatures to watch!

A Time of Deer and Ducks

2009-11-10T09:52:00.010-06:00

My dear husband peeked at me through sleepy eyes.. " Oh yeah - " he sighed.. "deer and ducks at dawn.." then promptly went back to sleep. Just because I feel the need to be out the door long before daylight so I can set up and take advantage of not only those golden hours of light that early morning and early evening bring but also the increased activity of the creatures, he shares none of the same aspirations. Harvest time is hard on him and the long hours in the fields combining corn and beans and planting winter wheat keep him more than occupied.
This past week the deer are starting into rut - currently we seem to be in seek and chase phase of things - soon, yes soon I mutter to myself - rut will be in full swing and the whitetails will be far lss concerned with me and my camera and far more conscerned with finding the does.
Ahhh the ducks.. well the ducks just aren't showing up in good numbers yet. Geese yes, ducks no. The record rainfalls from October have left many a good duck deep under water and have driven the few that are here deep into the button bush and buck brush that borders the rivers and sloughs that are so popular.

Ressurection!

2009-10-29T08:38:00.001-05:00

Alas and alack I got so incredibly involved in so many new projects over the spring and summer that I let this languish on the back burner. It's time to resurrect this whole blog with a new determination and conscientiousness.
I've had the good fortune to be added as part of the weblog staff at Prairie State Outdoors, and should also be starting as a regular blogger for Illinois tourism council soon.
I'm happy and excited that both my photography and writing seem to be taking off and I am finding myself published in both areas on a regular basis.
Who knew that people would actually be interested in the stories of my adventures wandering around the forest and the fields!

So bear with me dear readers as I start back down this blogging path!

First morels on 03.26.2009!!!

2009-04-11T06:49:00.005-05:00

False morel - NON EDIBLE!!

Group of small greys

The first batch of the season! Just enough for a skillet full for supper!

I seriously thought it was just a bit early for these to be popping, but nevertheless off to the woods I went just hoping for a small batch or a few. After finding a few false morels , that are non edible, I knew time was close. The "Big Red" false morels generally appear a few days to a week before the true delicious edible morels appear. Less than ten yards from the nice "Big Red" my woods companion Adam found, I spied the seasons first batch.
My friends at Prairie State Outdoors were excited as I was by this early find!

First little snake

2009-04-11T06:46:00.002-05:00

First snake I could find this spring was a little garter snake in a brush pile.. he was kind enough to pose for few shots - found this fellow on 03.25.2009

March Madness

2009-04-11T06:42:00.003-05:00

March Madness to most of the US mean basketball playoffs, to those of us in rural southern Illinois it means time to start searching for the elusive morels, scouting for spring turkey season, snake migration as their hibernation period ends, and the beginning of the onslaught of all the goregous wildflowers.

March 22, 2009 Owl Friend

2009-04-11T06:35:00.003-05:00

While out scouting for turkeys I stumbled on this fellow at the edge of field.. it was right at dusk so I had to struggle a bit with the lighting, but he was patient and cooperated actually pretty well for me!

It's been wild !

2009-04-11T06:31:00.002-05:00

Boy - I keep having a hard time finding the time to post here.. it's been wild since my last posting, Spring Turkey Season, Morel Mushroom Season, Spring Field trials and hunts..
I seem to be meeting myself coming and going. I'm trying very hard this spring to remember to balance activity and rest and hopefully keep my annual Spring Fling Relapse from occurring. So far so good!!!

so without anymore time wasting.. time to get to posting the pictures from the last few weeks!

2009-03-21T12:16:00.000-05:00

While out and about I had to ensure we made time to vist our dear friend Dennis Ballance, Propietor of Muddy River Shooting Preserve, in Wolf Lake, IL and get a quick pre opening tour of the newest lodge addition the hunt club. All I can say is when construction is fiished this will be a superb spot to spend a little time when visiting the Jackson/Union County areas of Southern Illinois. Not only does the Muddy River Shooting Preserve offer a superb upland game hunting experience during the appropriate seasons, the three bedroom lodge sits in a perfect spot to serve as a base camp for your family and friends when planning atrip to the Jackson/Union county areas of the Shawnee National Forest. The beautiful Pine Hills Natural Area as well as Oakwood Bottoms and Turkey Bayou are just a few minutes away from Muddy River Shooting Preserve.

2009-03-21T12:07:00.000-05:00

Took a little time last Sunday to visit the Fountain Bluff Petroglyphs with friends and play in the creek on one of the first truly warm and sunny days of the season. A long winter had us all itching to get out and play!

2009-03-21T12:03:00.000-05:00

A favorite early spring time activity while scouting for Spring turkey season and waiting on Morel season to start, is shed hunting. This one of the shed antlers that I found placed on a log with another spring treat, oyster mushrooms.

Shed hunting can be notoriously difficult at times and it seemed these two bucks that had already dropped their antlers were taunting me...Can you find our antlers?? Can you???

If the taunting wasn't enough.. then they seemed to be saying, "Follow us!! We'll show you where they are!"

2009-03-21T11:58:00.000-05:00

The pheasants and the turkeys are beginning to brighten up as mating season fast approaches.

2009-03-21T11:52:00.003-05:00

I was very fortunate to be invited to spend the day on Kinkaid Lake musky fishing, accompanying outdoor writer and media person Scott Hushcle of Downriver Outdoors . Scott and I had a most enjoyable, if cold day learning from an expert Musky Fishing Guide, Mr. Walter Krause. I could have listened to Mr. Krause's teachings for days! It was pleasure to be the photographer for Scott on this great fishing trip. Sadly we weren't able to snag any musky that day as a storm front passed through and the temps dropped 50 degrees in about two hours. Seems the sudden change unsettled the musky as well the fishermen!

2009-03-21T11:45:00.001-05:00

The first weekend in March found me climbing the stairs at the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve to snap a view of the river bottom below..

2009-03-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

A batch of Greater White Fronted Geese, also known as SPecks or Specklebellys because of the black striping across their breasts that stopped in to feed during their migration back north.

2009-03-21T11:39:00.001-05:00

My little Lab friend Piper waiting on a command from her owner and trainer on 02-25-2009

2009-03-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

A little phasant hen in the thicket - also taken 02.24.2009

2009-03-21T11:35:00.001-05:00

Great fun on 02.24.2009 chasing around after the game birds.. above is one of the Wild Turkeys I've been following around for months .

GOOD HEAVENS!

2009-03-21T11:29:00.003-05:00

I must apologize for nearly a month going by with out any updates.. seems like it was one thing or another.. between a few aggravating health issues that kept me down for a day or two here and there, and the fact that SPRING IS ARRIVING!!! I've been entirely too neglectful!
I've enjoyed too many days in the field - time to play catch up!!!

Another Collared Waterfowl

2009-02-25T12:23:00.002-06:00

This collared Blue Morph Snow goose was spotted in the waterfowl rest area at Balwin Fish and Wildlife Area, Baldwin IL

Nesting and Breeding time for the Canada Geese!

2009-02-25T12:17:00.003-06:00

The Canada geese are beginning to seelct nesting spots, have territorial disputes, and display their mating behaviors. Most evenings I can be found watching their antics as they play out some very distinct social and mating rituals.

Another Collared Swan

2009-02-18T06:34:00.002-06:00

Once Again I've had luck of finding a collared swan and being able to note the neck collar numbers. Although at the present I have little information regarding this particular bird, I am hoping that I will receive information on this and the other two swans with collars that I have found this year. It's wonderful to see these magnificent birds in the wild! This swan was found in small pond in reclaimed strip mine ground. The added bonus is seeing that for all the destruction wrought by the strip mines years ago, the reclaimed areas are now serving as excellent wildlife habitat and rest areas for migrating waterfowl.

Nearly 10 days

2009-02-16T12:56:00.002-06:00

Have come and gone since my last entry.. The flu segued into a bad case of cellulitis in my face which segued into a bad case of uvitis affecting my right eye. My dominant shooting eye. Putting my photo work on hold until the steroids, antibiotics and assorted other little mirables of modern chemistry could do their work. Suffice it to say I have spent the majority of those ten days confined to either my bed or my couch, grumbling mightily that I'm missingouton the early days of shed hunting season, the first signs of new life in te woods and various other outdoor activities.
I was somewhat soothed by watching the comical comings and goings at the bird feeder and trying my best to capture a few of the scenes there with my camera. I must admit, with the visual disturbances that came with the above - the captures were slim pickings and not very well done. I was able to though participate in the Great BacKyard Bird Count, and dutifully sent of my check lists to be tabulated.
I am pleased to report that I seem to have turned the corner today and looking forward to a trip out and about visiting the nighborhood forests and fields tomorrow. I am hoping that the weather cooperates and I will once again be able to be shooting scenes from our wonderous outdoors again on a daily basis. I may even sneak out a bit this afternoon for a trial run!
Thanks to everyone for understanding the big gaps in the postings of late and the sudden lack of photographs. The spirit was will willing, but the flesh was weak .

scenes from the previous week

2009-02-05T13:06:00.000-06:00

Playing Catch Up!

2009-02-05T13:00:00.002-06:00

As is want to happen in the middle of winter in Southern Illinois - sometimes we get waylayed by various flu bugs.. seems that has happened to me. Add that to the mix of my multiple sclerosis and immunotherapy, and it doesn't always make for a pleasant outcome. I'm recovering and will soon be back out in the forests and the fields. Hopefully within the next day or two. Unfortunately the nasty winter ick kept not only me but my camera grounded for a few days. Can't wait to get back out there and chase around and see what the upcoming warmer temps will bring us!

On the road chasing waterfowl!

2009-01-24T09:05:00.003-06:00

Well it's been a very busy week, and consequently I simply have been remiss in posting any of the images from my forays into the forests and the fields. I've combined my favorites from the past week into this small collage. Once again it's been all about the skies and the birds. The winter skies in Southern Illinois are so much more colorful and vibrant than the burned out flat hazy grey skies we see in the summer. The sun's closer proximity to the horizons in the winter months also produces some spectacular sunrises and sunsets for those brave enough to weather the frigid temps to capture them.
On the bird front, the feeding stations in my yard, a certified backyard wildlife habitat, have been full of the regular winter visitors such as blue jays, cardinals, variety of sparrows and finches, and the occasional Sharp shinned and coopers hawks cruising by looking for a songbird snack.
The waterfowl are still in full swing and this week I was once again treated to the trumpeter swans and the a new influx of migrating pelicans. The rivers, lakes and streams are mostly frozen over, cause large numbers to congregate near the few places that still have open water such as the Baldwin Power Plant, and near the lock and dams on the Mississippi and Kaskaskia rivers.
It has made for some great bird watching along the iced in areas, especially along the rivers where birds the birds congregate behind the barge cuts in the ice and near the few places with open water.
Lots of migratory waterfowl still keeping us company as well like the lovely specimen of an American Black Duck shown above.

So very, very, cold

2009-01-15T18:54:00.003-06:00

The bitter cold temps today ranged from below zero this morning when I took the dogs out for their morning run through fields to a high of 8 degrees F. This was the scene that greeted the dogs and I as we headed out to the field to see what we could kick up on this frigid morning . Every small low spot that held any water was now glassy ice.

Busy couple of days

2009-01-15T18:29:00.005-06:00

It's hard to believe that it's already Thursday this week! Tuesday dawned cold and with a wintry mix falling.. a little snow, a little sleet and little of everything. The weather prevented me from following through with plans to join some friends waterfowl hunting, but as the day progressed they skies cleared and became the deep blue that we only see in midwinter here in the Midwest. So I was able to get out to the woods for awhile during the afternoon hours. I had lovely walkabout in the Kaskaskia river bottoms near New Athens, IL with two of my favorite woods companions Bob and Adam and their great dogs Nesene and Piper. We were able to watch an eagle soar over the sloughs, although the fellows came up empty handed squirrel hunting. I was surprised to so many poison ivy berries still on the vines, as the birds tend to pick them clean, and with the bitter cold temps we have been having the birds are feeding heavily on just about any food source they can find.
Wednesday I was once again chasing waterfowl around the areas holding areas. The temps had risen to a comfortable 50 degrees or so in some of the southern regions, but the front was on it's way.. about 2pm the front moved in with a vengeance and the temps rapidly dropped to near zero. The waterfowl were few and far between and not particularly active. I was able to capture a few images of some mallards and canvasbacks.

This was shot as the front was rolling in.. the clouds and wind were terrific. The temperature dropped over twenty degrees inside of an hour.

After the front blew through the skies cleared and although the winds were fierce and temps frigid the sky at sunset was gorgeous!

2009-01-12T19:45:00.003-06:00

Sunday was an interesting day.. as I was packing up to head out to Pyramid State Park, to soak up some of the healing powers of the windswept prairie shown in the photo above, I received a phone phone call that a plane had went down in a neighboring field. It appeared to be more of an emergency landing than a crash but none the less was quite the sight in the cornfield!

The day ended with Jaunary's Wolf moon rising bright , brave, wild and fierce.

Today was one of those days that as the day went on the winds picked up, and the skies turned a cold slatey grey . Those flat iron skies are usually a harbringer of cold bitter winter days approaching. The forecast is for steadily dropping temps and rising winds.. with the threat of just a little snow to swirl about. The creatures can sense the coming change in the weather and feed actively. The small soingbirds were almost manic filling up on high oil seeds to help give them the energy to withstand the coming cold and snow.

I've fallen behind!

2009-01-10T20:30:00.010-06:00

Not even a week into this and already I have fallen behind with the daily posts. It seems my days are filled to the brim with photo opportunities and assignments. I begin before daylight and often am still shooting as the last rays of the sun set. No problem getting a photo accomplished each day.. just a little snafu here and there getting them posted daily!

Thursday January 8 had me yet once gain chasing waterfowl around the various lakes, river bottoms and potholes in Southern Illinois. This lovely Canada Goose seemed to pose for Thursday afternoon.. and I was tickled when I downloaded the image and realized that not only had I captured his smirky smile but that little drop of water from his bill bouncing into the lake!

The deer rut seems to be over, the big bruiser bucks are no longer chasing the does, and are staying hidden until just at sunset or after and are much more wary and back to hiding in the thickets. The does are feeling safer these days and coming out to the fields each evening just as sunset draws near. This group was spotted at the edge of the tree line in a field in Randolph County

Friday January 9 brought a long day in the field from before sun up until past sunset. I had several request from some of my customers for "ducks in the timber" . Water fowl hunting in Southern Illinois often takes place in flooded timber and river bottoms. So off I went at dawn.. in search of "ducks in timber".

The early morning sky above was once again a wonderous winter sight as I headed out on yet a migratory winter bird trip. I encountered a nice group of canvasbacks at the Union County Refuge .

While talking with the various duck hunters, goose hunters and waterfowl fans along the way I learned that Horsehoe Lake was holding good numbers of mallards in the timbers.. so onward I pressed.. still in search of "ducks in timber" . I was rewarded with some exceptionally beautiful vistas and yes! Ducks in the timber!

Banded Swans

2009-01-08T07:43:00.002-06:00

Wednesday, January 7th - The find of the day was a pair of migrating Trumpeter swans with yellow neck bands. I'm currently making a rash of calls to determine where the birds were banded and what their history might be. It was very exciting to find this pair, swimming with a pair of immature ones. These were photographed near Alton, Illinois. The sudden cold snap had the eagles out and flying in great numbers in and around Alton and all along the great river road heading north as well. It was a wonderful day for watching migratory birds and waterfowl in the Alton area. I'm a bit disappointed with the photo of the swans. They didn't appear until just minutes after sunset and the low light combined with the distance I was from them made for poor shooting conditions.

Nuts!

2009-01-06T15:37:00.001-06:00

Cold rainy foggy day.. unfit to be dragging tons of camera equipment out and about. So, I spent the afternoon cleaning pecans that we've been picking up the last few weeks. It's been a superb year for the pecans and they are more than plentiful. I may be forced to make a pecan pie yet this afternoon to take the damp chill out of the house!

January 5 sunset

2009-01-06T15:33:00.000-06:00

No showy skies this evening.. clouds rolling in from the west promising freezing rain.. sleet and a wintry mix by morning.

Sunday January 4, 2009

2009-01-05T19:51:00.002-06:00

Still in full waterfowl mode in Southern Illinois. The last creature in the line up is bit of mystery. He closely resembled a brant goose, but didn't have the characteristic white ring around his neck. Currently he's still a mystery to me. Red tail hawks were out in legion like numbers and turkeys were seen feeding on the winter wheat in several fields.

Out in the Fog on January 3, 2008

2009-01-05T19:08:00.000-06:00

Heavy fog blanketed the Southern Illinois river counties Saturday morning. Wildlife was scarce and difficult to see when the creatures did elect to venture out from their woodland homes. The temps were hovering in the high 50's F and every road it seemed led into grey nothingness.

Photos from January 2, 2008

2009-01-05T18:56:00.000-06:00

It's all about waterfowl right now in Southern Illinois. The flyway is seeing peak migration and the lakes at Pyramid State Park, Union County Refuge, and Baldwin Fish and Wildlife area are full to overflowing with Canadas, Snows, Blue geese and a large variety of ducks as well. The Winter skies have been generous in providing us with some beautiful sunsets this week.

A new year.. a new project

2009-01-05T18:30:00.000-06:00

After much encouragement and urging by fellow photographers and outdoor enthusiasts I have elected to participate in the 365 project! It seems a natural thing to do, as I spend nearly every day documenting the flora and fauna of Southern Illinois with my trusty Canon and an assortment of lenses. My hope is to make this not only a daily photo diary, but also to include field notes regarding my finds and travels throughout Southern Illinois forests, fields, rivers and wild spaces.
Thanks to my woods buddies SILO Bob and Skippy for their strong encouragement to even attempt this project.
Some days there may many photos.. somedays.. just one. Despite all good intentions there will also be days that I will be forced to miss due to assignment and travel obligations.
I hope you enjoy viewing the Southern Illinois Outdoors through my lens !

sunrise and sunset New years day 2009