Help out when in the outdoors

My first column each year is a call to arms. This means calling on the readers to give back to the outdoors. Doing so isn’t difficult.

The easiest way to explain this principal is to set the example of picking up after the slobs who throw litter out vehicle windows. This is not acceptable to outdoor-minded people. A general sampling of litter can be found along the roads and trails, including cups from a well-known brand of coffee brand to beer cans.

I’m not saying my vehicle screeches to a stop whenever a beer can is spotted. But consider this scenario: A buddy and I have stopped in a parking lot to pursue quail. When the hunt is over, a beer can is spotted at the edge of the lot. Why not scoop it up and throw it in the bed of the truck.

An interesting and humorous situation occurred once toward the end of a day of hunting. A Fish and Wildlife enforcement officer stopped as a buddy and I were preparing for the trip home.

The officer checked our licenses and the birds taken during the day. He looked into the Ram bed and saw about 10 beer cans. He gave me a funny look and then looked at the cans again.

The cans were obviously old and not opened during this day. He then understood where they came from.

Teaching our youth to take the time to clean up the outdoors is a simple matter. In fact, as soon as a youngster learns the basics, it is difficult to stop them. This way of thinking has the possibility of becoming a custom, tradition and ritual for the entire family.

My hunting buddies and I have been tuned into the idea of giving back to the Great Outdoors from the time we began hunting together. It isn’t unusual for any one or all of us to return to the Ram after a morning of hunting and empty several items from our pockets or backpack.

Items such as soda pop cans, beer cans, rusted tobacco containers, Styrofoam worm containers, peanut containers and the list continues to include most all items taken into the hunting and fishing areas of the Pacific Northwest.

When a hunter pauses to eat a candy bar, why can’t this person simply place the empty wrapper back into his pack or pocket instead of dropping it?

Thus we have a few of us who are picking up after the inconsiderate slobs who leave such litter scattered about. There is one caution when picking up litter on a hunting trip. Make sure the litter doesn’t make noise when the hunter is walking/hiking.

The basics of picking up litter include don’t mess with broken glass and don’t mess with diapers. Most other items are in my sights to be removed.

Teaching outdoor skills

Teaching our youth outdoor skills has the possibility of making lifelong lovers of hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, birding and on and on. But don’t forget the senior citizens.

While the seniors may not be interested in elk hunting, they may find birding, hiking or fishing an enjoyable pastime. These people, young and older, should be taught the preliminary aspects of being in the outdoors, but also what to do if encountering a rattlesnake or a cougar.

Outdoor-minded people spend millions of dollars a year to enjoy time outside the front door. With a little practice and with the correct mental attitude, everyone can figure out ways to give back.

This includes sharing this time with family and friends and teaching others about the outdoors.

All of the above will provide opportunities for you, your family and friends to create memories which will last a lifetime and possibly memories which will last for generations into the future.