Clay Feats reaches 15-year milestone
The most notable annual milestone is the birthday. It's a time exclusive to each person and celebrated as such.
The second week of February is a birthday-like time for me. Perhaps anniversary would be a more fitting word.
While I was born in July, this column began its run the second week of February in 1991. Therefore, this column marks the end of year 14 and the beginning of year 15.
Reflecting on the past 52 weeks and 14 years allows me to evaluate where we have been and where we are headed. The goal of this column is to provide information to readers, which will improve their outdoor experience.
In 2004, this column presented information on the topics of hunting, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, outdoors cooking, daytrips and more.
Of special interest to me are people who might not have had outdoor exposure, but would otherwise enjoy the activities available. A new group of youth becomes available each year, meaning they attain the age where they will be able to participate.
For example, a 3-year-old would enjoy catching fish on opening day at Park Lake, but they are a bit young to handle a firearm. The actual age when firearm education should begin, however, is early.
The National Rifle Association's Eddie Eagle program teaches children in pre-K through the third grade four steps to take if they find a gun. The youth should: Stop, don't touch, leave the area and tell an adult.
Teaching your children these rules would be wise, even if you don't own a firearm. Other households might contain rifles, pistols and shotguns that you are not aware of.
The age when a youngster should be able to begin firearm handling and shooting instruction depends upon the maturity of each youth and the willingness of the parents to work with them. There are 10-year-old hunters who, under the watchful eye of an adult, are safe and responsible.
It shouldn't be necessary to put in print, but if you are a firearm owner with youngsters in the house, it is wise to place a gunlock on each one.
Women, long overlooked as wanting to participate in outdoor activities, are being sought out for outdoor education. Last April around 30 women attended a "Women in the Outdoors" program sponsored by the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation at the Boyd Mordhorst Shooting Range. I expect the organization to again sponsor the event and the attendance to increase.
Another aspect of this column is about Basin wildlife. Of concern to me is the increase of the cougar population. While more cougars mean more hunting opportunities, the numbers also mean an increased danger to Basin residents.
This fact is underscored by the visit of a cougar a few years ago to a Mattawa school. About 16 months ago, a cougar was twice spotted in Wilson Creek.
The animal, or another one, is back. In the Wilson Creek School District Newsletter for this month, School Superintendent Bob Nolan informs readers that cougar tracks had been spotted in town.
During a call to the district office, a spokesman said tracks were spotted on both the east and west side of town. It is obvious the cat has been prowling the area. Wilson Creek residents should not travel alone, be they youth heading to or from school or an adult walking or jogging.
Now that we know the large cats are in the Basin, either just passing through or taking up residence, we should all be aware of the possibility of an encounter.
I receive many comments each year about columns featuring day trips. The idea is to provide a route for a young family of four or an elderly empty-nester couple to spend a day driving a specified route with interesting scenery and a chance to view a variety of wildlife.
The Basin daytrips are not my brainchild, but originate from my father, who on any given Saturday or Sunday might say, "Let's go for a drive."
This month, a drive to Steamboat Rock State Park near Coulee Dam would be a good bet to view bald eagles and mule deer.
On this page during 2005 you will find several recaps of the outdoor experiences I enjoy. It isn't a matter of "look what I did," but rather "you can do this, too," or "You, too, can get into the outdoors for an enjoyable experience."
Comments and suggestions are always welcome and encouraged. There may be a part of the outdoors I've been missing and I want to know about it.
I've been blessed with the opportunity to write this column. The longevity is another blessing. As we head into year 15, I take responsibility for providing you with continued news you can use to enhance your outdoors experiences.