It is a fairly safe assumption that if you are reading this post, you are someone who values the outdoors. Given that common ground, let's also agree that each one of our reasons for valuing the outdoors is slightly different. What is certainly true, is that the concept of Public Land is under assault, perhaps to an extent unknown since Teddy Roosevelt started the movement to set aside land for the enjoyment of future generations. Let's start by remembering what motivated these actions by TR. TR grew up a wealthy and unhealthy kid from "Back East." He essentially identified in himself the need to get outdoors and improve his health and stamina. To make a long story short, he spent vast amounts of time in the outdoors and did improve himself physically. But perhaps more importantly, the outdoors was where he retreated when he needed emotional respite. When his wife died, he went West and his tonic was the outdoors. TR could afford to buy the land on which he could do these things - in fact he did buy a huge ranch in North Dakota. But he recognized that for many reasons, land needed to be set aside so that common man could do the same. When he became President, he did just that and in so doing, started a movement that future Presidents have memorialized by making similar additions to the reservoir of public lands. TR's moves to set aside vast tracts of public land were not without controversy. They were also not permanent. Throughout history since TR, there have been constant threats to the lands he and future Presidents and other public entities have set aside. As political climates have blown back and forth, public land policies have changed. It is fairly evident that the there is a pretty strong headwind right now endangering public lands. In fact, that wind is on the verge of being a hurricane. The Trump administration, as well as a vast majority of conservative state legislatures have been swayed by the interests of industry to either privatize public land, or to open it to mining, gas and oil exploration, and other commercial interests. But this is not a political post really...or at least not a targeted attack on Trump or the conservative movement. But, many of us as sportsmen and women are conservative yet oppose the selling off of public lands or opening it to coal and oil interests. I do not mean public land can NEVER be logged, or mined, or drilled, etc. But I do see that there is a real concern that this cast of characters has never been on a hunting trip in the Bighorn Mountains, been on a backcountry backpacking trip, or fly fished for smallmouth on a quiet Ozark Mountain stream in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. These lands are vital, at least in the mind of this author, to the well being of individuals and of families. Therefore, given the political realities that exist, I implore sportsmen and women to engage and get involved. Some of the proposed actions by the Trump Administration and states, are irreversible. A strip mine once dug creates an environment that will never be the same. Make your voice heard. What can you do? 1. Join an organization that supports your interests. One example is Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. There is strength in numbers. 2. Get involved in a specific public land. For example, the image below shows options in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 3. Let your state and federal legislators know how you feel. Call or email them and tell them you care about public lands and want them preserved and that access be maintained for the activities you enjoy. Find their Facebook page and post your thoughts. Be prepared for blowback as is common on social media platforms. To find your US Rep or Senator, use this TOOL. Let us know your thoughts and any actions you found to be helpful in these efforts. #publiclands #fishing #hunting #conservation #camping #hiking #nature

Took a hike yesterday through Little Lost Creek Conservation Area along a trail I have taken many times. My son, David, and I have Spring Breaks that coincide for the first time ever. He accompanied me, and since he was looking for a workout, we added some tangents to the hike to accomplish this. Straight through, this trail, round trip comes in at about 5.5 miles if you do not include any of the spurs off that we took. Our RT was exactly 6.7 miles in total. The trail has some hills, mainly in two sections. As you can see, the trail drops down into Little Lost Creek Valley. This drop comes at about the one mile mark. There are some outstanding views as you come down the hill. The hill is steep and covered with large rocks. Towards the bottom, the footing can be slippery after wet weather. At the bottom, you will cross over Watkins Branch of Little Lost Creek before a flat section in the valley, at which point you will cross Little Lost Creek. The fields in the valley of Little Lost Creek serve as habitat for many birds and large and small mammals. If you approach quiety, you may see fox, deer, coyote, rabbits, as well as many bird species. After crossing through the fields, you will arrive at the Little Lost Creek crossing, and look for the sign to the EE trailhead. Follow the trail which will soon turn very steep up onto the ridge. Once you are on the ridge, you will have relatively flat terrain through woods and then old fields until the EE parking lot. This is an excellent trail in terms of beauty and for exercise. Below are some additional images followed by a link to the MDC page where you can download a map and see area regs. Little Lost Creek MDC Page #littlelostcreekconservationarea #ConservationArea #missourihiking #stlouisareahiking

Reifsneider Memorial State Forest Area is a beautiful and fairly lightly used area, save the gun range at the far west end at the end of the main access road. It has one main trail, Lizard Rock, about 1.25-1.5 miles in length, depending on how you meander at certain places along the way back. But, there are numerous other smaller trails throughout the area, which you can find by studying the area map available through MDC (see link below) The area is in the river hills north of the Missouri River, and holds many turkey, some deer, and other wildlife. The forest contains mostly hardwood...oak, hickory, etc., but also some pines interspersed, as well as cedars (actually juniper). This is nice area to visit, but not necessarily worth a long drive just for hiking. If you want to mix in some fishing, a picnic, or some other activities...you will likely have an enjoyable visit. Reifsneider State Forest MDC Page #missourihiking #stlouisareahiking #reifsneiderstateforest #reifsneiderconservationarea #lizardrocktrail

In all, this trail covers approximately seven miles in its entirety, but with multiple road crossings, and trail crossovers, it can be adapted to a shorter route if you like. It should be noted that the trail is often poorly marked, in many places in rough condition, has lots of blow downs across the trail, and in the lower Natural Area, has multiple stream crossings. As you can see on the GPS image from my hike, I did leave out one portion of the hike. The main reason for this was that as I proceeded through one of the burn areas, I lost the trail, and it was not marked, so I moved out to the road and proceeded back to my vehicle (a short distance). This area is in the western section of Warren County in Missouri. It's about one hour from my house...maybe 1:45 from St. Louis. The terrain is diverse...forests, savannah, creek bottoms, some hilly terrain on the trail...but a well worthwhile trek on a weekend afternoon. There is camping permitted in the area, but check rules prior to pitching camp. This is an area that gets hunted during deer and turkey seasons, and at these times, be absolutely certain to wear as much blaze orange as you can put your hands on. I covered the five miles of the trail I took at a 2.5 mph pace when actually moving. It was very wet and muddy and slippery the day I went. If you are in good shape, a 3+ mph pace is doable in good conditions. Trekking poles would be advised, though I regrettably left mine in my Jeep. HERE is a link to the MDC page for the area where you can download a brochure and map, as well as read area regs and rules. #DanielBooneConservationArea #hiking #stlouisareahiking #missourihiking #missourinaturalarea #missouriconservationarea #danielboonememorialstateforest

I had a chance to get out with my two sons for a quick hike in the Flint Hills of Kansas the other day. It's kind of hard to beat a 50 degree day in late December - even if the wind is blowing like a minor hurricane. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve located in the Flint Hills of Eastern Kansas preserves some of the last remaining original tallgrass prairie in North America. Even though it is minute in relation to the expanse that once existed, one feels small and the prairie feels boundless when you get away from the highways and evidence of civilization. I got to spend a little time with my two sons amidst some pleasurable, yet frenetic family activity, and as always seems to be the case, a little check in with wildness and nature was just what the doctor ordered! #tallgrassprairie #flinthills #hiking

Since anyone who reads this is likely a pretty smart guy or gal, politics are probably making you a little nauseous right now. Not much more I am gonna say about the dirtiest of the "P" words here, but I was thinking this morning as I caught bits and pieces of the R- Convention that I am really happy I have one more expedition to the wilderness before my real job as a teacher gets going again in August. There is never a time when upon my return from such a trip, this one to Colorado, that I don't come back thinking that all the stupid stuff I deal with day-to-day really isn't very important. The time I have in wilderness helps me be a better person and relate more genuinely with those whom I care about - family, friends, co-workers. I always think, man, I am not going back to that way of thinking...and it always creeps back - no matter how hard I try. Maybe next time! But even if I do go back to the "stupid stuff," at least for the time I am away and for some time thereafter, I am better. Way better. John Muir, conservationist, hunter, fisherman...once said, "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity." He could not have better reflected my thinking in his statement. Some of us know we need it and some of us will discover we need it and some will pass from this earth sadly never having known the release offered in wild places. Here is a personal aspiration...I will live in the moment fully but consciously always keep the wilderness and what it represents, along with my faith, as a guiding force in those moments. #wilderness

I recently purchased the Blackstone Dash Grill as a replacement for the Weber propane grill that I used at home and on camping trips for many years. The Weber was an excellent grill, but replacing it was going to be pricey, and after having read some positive online reviews of the Blackstone Dash, I decided to give it a whirl. I have now set it up and used it and can provide some thoughts on how this grill will work at home and in the field for camping. First, the Blackstone Dash is propane powered with the small propane bottles available at most any retailer that sells camping supplies. For use on camping trips, I do not want to use the 20 lb propane tanks as they are too bulky. For these small grills, a small bottle will allow for quite a bit of grilling and the small bottles are far easier to pack and transport. The Blackstone Dash comes in the box almost ready to use. In fact, it is essentially out of the box exactly the same way you will pack it up for transport. When you open it up, I suggest you pull out the grill, get the owner's manual, and spend some time looking over before getting started. One issue I did run into, was that my manual ended on page 17, and the Table of Contents informed me the operating instructions began on p. 22! So right off, I had to go online and find the manual - a bit of a pain that really should not happen and lessened my confidence on the quality of the product. Once I did get things unpacked, and had read the manual (what I had received and online), getting the grill set up was very simple. Generally, the feel of the parts seemed solid and high quality with the exception of the lid latches. They seem to be kind of flimsy and I would not be surprised if they seem to be problematic in the future. The cooking surface is nonstick and has two sides - a "corrugated" side for grilling meats, etc., and a smooth side for pancakes, etc. A drip pan attaches to the front of the grill for collecting grease coming off the griddle or grill side. My first use of the grill was hamburgers and chicken. I easily fit 6 boneless chicken thighs and 2 hamburgers on the grill. My cooking experience was excellent, but I did notice a couple of issues I will need to address. First, on my Weber grill, the cooking surface was not nonstick and had holes where grease dripped through, and the grease collection plate was at the bottom. You cleaned the grill the traditional way - heat it up and use a wire brush. Standard grilling tools were what you used. So, with the Dash, to clean the cooking surface requires letting it cool, and then cleaning it in hot soapy water. I would rather not need to generate hot soapy water on camping trips if I don't have to. Second, I will need to buy cooking utensils that are rubber coated so as not to damage the cooking surface. I have plastic spatulas but need to get some tongs for chicken, brats, etc. I really like the way the legs and rolling mechanism works, and the unit is plenty light to just pick up and carry. An upcoming week log trip to Colorado will give me some added insight into this grill, and I will update this review as necessary. I got the grill for right around $100 and you should have no problem doing the same. I give the unit a tentative 4/5 stars. #campgrill #campinggear #blackstonedash #campingcookware #camping

David had the week off, and we wanted to get a float in before we headed off on our vacation and David back to the field doing forestry research. We planned a couple of days when the weather forecasted the chance of rain at no more than 15%. Well I have learned over the years not to trust the weather guys and gals enough to cancel a trip because of an iffy forecast, but I have also picked up on the idea that a great forecast can also be paired with bad weather - and we got some of that. We did get enough breaks to make it a good time, but the floating ended up going by the wayside. Luckily, Red Buff is a beautiful enough area to make it in itself an attraction, and some decent smallmouth fishing can be had right in that area for smallmouth. It ended up being a very nice couple of days. Red Bluff is right at the upper stretches of the Huzzah (see map). The way we get down there, coming from west of St. Louis, is to get off at Cuba, go through Steelville, and kind of wind through the county roads until you get there. GPS or Google Maps will get you better directions than I can give you. There are two main sections to the campground, the larger being the loops down by the river. It should be noted, that while it looked like all the sites that were still in existence were campable, there are some down in the lower part that were devastated by the floods last winter. Also, the lower sites are most certainly at some risk in flash flooding events, and are so labeled. There is a second set of campsites up on the bluffs, right after you turn off the county road into the Rec site. We were there in the middle of the week, and all were reserved, so if you want one of these sites, get a reservation. They have beautiful views and ARE NOT suitable for a family with small children. There are sites in the lower loops that are above the flash flood risk area, and also have nice grass and shade. For the fishing, we worked up and downstream from the campground using light spinning gear and primarily Rebel Craws, a standby that rarely fails to produce smallies in the Ozark streams. Though there had been an inch or so of rain, the stream here never got muddy - it was crystal clear. The fishing was good, but not great these two days, producing about one smallmouth per hour - none large (8"-15"), and all were released in good condition. Catch and release of smallies is encouraged as these streams do not produce well enough to allow for taking a ton of fish. If you have a family, this section of the Huzzah is about as good as it gets for playing in the water. Keep your kids safe, but the water is pretty gentle and not too deep. Obvious disclaimer I have to include - supervise your kids and have them wear PFD's. We love this spot and hope to get back soon and will float the stream down to the HWY Z bridge, with lots of stops for fishing, swimming, and playing. #huzzahcreek #missouricamping #missourismallmouthfishing #floatingthehuzzah

You cannot help but think about Springtime when it hits the mid 70's in late February and it's hit me hard. I love Winter, and I am already looking forward in some respects to Fall with deer hunting and all the other things I like to do. But, it is hard to argue with the great feelings you get when the Winter weather breaks and the weather starts to warm up. Some of that might be having grown up in Alaska and having lived there again part of my adult life. There, cabin fever is really a thing that gets to almost everybody, and even though I never felt up there like I was losing my mind, you sort of get it programmed into your psyche to start getting pumped for Spring when it starts to show itself in any form. This Winter has seemed really mild and we have gotten out a lot. There probably has not been three consecutive days where I have not gotten out at least by myself, and very often with my wife and sometimes sons as well. But when Spring rolls in and we are in that sweet spot between Winter and oppressive Missouri heat and humidity, outdoor activities may be at their best. Early Spring is a good time to get out and hike before the Spring Turkey season starts. You can still get in some good hikes during the season, but you might want to pick an area closed to turkey hunting for your jaunts. And if it's something you like to do, what is better that hunting the Spring Turkey Season? The camping gear can start coming out too, if you ever stored it away. The days will be warm and the nights crisp. The main thing is to plan on getting out and to follow through and do it. Many studies show that time out in the woods and in the outdoors in general yields many health benefits, not least of which is mental well-being. #springtime #missouricamping #hiking

We got our first accumulating snow of the year. My Google Pics account sends me blasts from the past photos from the past periodically and I got one this week reminding me we can and maybe should get below zero weat I think about this time of year a lot of families are zoned in on television and staying warm by the fire. We do, and always have done a fair amount of this too, but there is plenty to do outdoors this time of the year - whether the temperature is freakishly warm as it has been typically this year, or more typical of January, like the one hanging on the old cedar tree in the adjoining picture. You know your family best, and you ought to adpat any of these ideas for what works for you, but here's some ideas to get you thinking. ROAST SOME HOT DOGS AND MAKE S'MORES Anything to get outdoors can be a real plus as the realities of cabin fever set in. This is an easy one, becasue you can keep everybody nice and warm, and at the same time, teach kids some outdoors skills such as building a fire. It's the kind of thing you can do on a Saturday afternoon or even after work. If you live out in the country, you probably have options as close as your back yard. If you don't, plan a short trip to a public area. If you don't have firewood at the house, a lot of times you can pick up a dry bundle at a convenience store. Think about bringing alond a stick of something like Duraflame firestarter available in sporting good sections or stores. Bring along a stainless steel coffee pot and make some hot drinks to warm everybody up and wash down a some campfire food. TAKE A WINTER HIKE For those who deer hunt in the woods, you know how different the woods look this time of the year. The landscape seems to be a completely different locale than in other times of the year. Try getting somewhere that gives at least the opportunity to observe wildlife, whether that be birds, deer, foxes, or whatever populates the natural world in your region. If you have kids, I suggest you don't try to keep them quiet much of the time - keep it fun. But tell them that for some part of the hike, you are going to sneak as quietly as you can through the woods and keep track of what you see. Sit down for a few minutes and encourage your kids to focus some of their attention on the far away and some on the area right around where you are. Whether your family is a hunting family, or just enjoys the outdoors, spending time outdoors throughout the year, is invaluable. GO EAGLE WATCHING If you live near a river, you have a great opportunity to see our national bird in the wild. The Bald Eagle, through the awesome efforts of the USFWS and local entities, has made quite a comeback. Many regions have places where these beautiful birds can be observed from either the comfort of your vehicle, or even a heated building or observatory. Try searching eagle viewing for your local region on the internet. In Missouri, visit MDC.mo.gov, and search eagle viewing. RENT CROSS COUNTRY SKIS OR SNOWSHOES AND GET SOME GREAT EXERCISE For not very much money, the whole family can try something that will ha Whichever way you choose to go, the first time go on pretty flat ground, and if you choose the skiing route, maybe try a lesson of no one in the family has experience. Both activities are great, low impact exercises, that can be a life long activity. The more winter you get in your area, the more you will want to invest in your own set of equipment, but make sure you enjoy it before you lay out the bucks. GO ICE SKATING Similar to the last idea, ice skating is a great outdoor activity during the winter. In most places outdoor venues are available. Or, if you are 110% of its soundness, ice skating on a pond or lake is a great American tradition. If you do not own skates, they are even more readily available for rent than skis or snowshoes. This is especially true if you are going to a public skating venue. Whether you choose one of these activities, or something else, find an excuse to get outdoors. The consensus is that as little as 10 minutes outdoors on a regular basis is a recipe for health and happiness. Doing these activities as a family is a recipe for a healthy family. #hiking #outdoors #winter #campfire #crosscountryskiing #snowshoe

I am sitting here writing this blog post - then I am going outside...I promise! Fall in Missouri is hard to beat. The state turns from oppressive Summer heat that can carry over through September, and this year somewhat even into October. It seems we are finally really full scale in the sweet spot for when Missouri begins its apex of the Fall season. The Fall colors are beginning their transition here, and am guessing down in the Ozarks where I am headed tomorrow God willing, they will be a bit behind us. Often, when we hunt the rifle deer season down there, the opening weekend is spectacular (early to mid-November). There are so many things you can be doing outdoors. If you are a bowhunter, you probably already are spending quite a bit of time in the woods. You have the option of hunting deer or turkey, and for shotgun hunters we have the Fall turkey season. Hiking and camping are perhaps at their finest in Missouri in the Fall. The sleeping weather simply could not be better. Not too cold, but a bit of briskness. It seems a lot of folks and families put their outdoor gear away after Labor Day, which in my mind is a big mistake. The fishing is still pretty decent too. If you like having more water to yourself, you will get that right now. Ozark streams are still good, the lakes have fewer boats out, and the trout parks are a little less overrun as kids are back in school. Don't think you have to plan a grand expedition. If you have plans to settle in and watch Cardinal playoff baseball, or more importantly Mizzou football, you spend some time out this morning and afternoon, and then feel a little better eating the snacks during the games. #fallcolors #bowhunting #missourifishing #missourihunting #missouricamping

For those of us who have been out some in the first couple of weeks of the Missouri bow season, as can sometimes be the case, the weather has been a bit on the warm side. This presents the hunter a couple of dilemmas. First, the hot weather slows down deer activity in daylight hours. From my trail cam, I can see the action has been running towards the early and late end of the legal hunting hours - that is if anything has shown up at all. I have been getting out in the evenings after work, and this presents another challenge. Arrow one right at the end of legal hours, and without a locker, you have a lot of work to do before the sun comes up for another day of work. That's assuming too, that you find your deer that evening. When it has been as hot as it's been, you feel like leaving a deer over night is not really an option. All that doesn't really matter because not much in the way of opportunities have been arising at my end of the world. Except for lots of mosquitos, I have not minded much as my evenings in the field have been relaxing and beautiful. I have seen plenty of other wildlife as well as the beginnings of Fall colors starting to take shape. This weekend would have been a good one to get out as the weather turned cooler. Family duties prevented that, and I had a great weekend doing what I was doing - no regrets there. Fall is pretty awesome - hunting, football, and soon cooler weather for good. Lookiung forward to all of it!