American Angler Magazine, ‘Tributaries of the Gallatin‘:
“…When fishing tiny streams, the tip cast is the most important cast you will use. It is an excellent cast for short distances and brushy situations. To make this cast, bring your rod swiftly to a vertical position on the backcast, make a very short pause, a quick little haul, and come just as swiftly forward. This quick motion and short pause help to load your rod with only a small amount of fly line past your rod tip. This cast also keeps your backcast short and high, helping to keep your fly out of the surrounding foliage.
Always approach from downstream and be aware of your shadow. Due to the clarity and narrowness of the tributaries, the fish can be quite skittish. Fish these streams quickly, without lingering in one pool for more than a few minutes…Zigzag back and forth across the stream to give yourself the best angle at each pool.”
“Beginners Guide to Backpacking“, commissioned article for website:
“…A few final tips will get you started down the trail.
For your first trip plan a relatively short one- or two-night hike that is not too far from your home. Get in shape before you go but be honest about your level of physical fitness. Research your planned hike, and be conservative with the miles you plan to cover; better to get to camp early than to push yourself too hard the first time out. Drink plenty of water, snack often and take as many rest breaks as you need. You will eventually find a pace and rhythm that suits you; don’t overexert yourself trying to keep up with a more experienced hiker, and if you are in the lead, patiently wait for your partner to catch up and allow them to rest before setting off again. If possible find a loop trail for this first trip, so you don’t have to shuttle a vehicle and you don’t see the same trail twice…”
North American Deer Hunter Magazine, (nadeerhunter.com), ‘10 Tips to Beat the Heat for the Early Season Hunter‘
“Hunting and hot weather are not often synonymous, but if you live in the south, do early season scouting, bowhunt or travel abroad, you may encounter blazing sun and high humidity instead of whiteout conditions and freezing temperatures. Being prepared to deal with these conditions will result in a safer hunt and greater chances of success. Hot weather can drain you of energy quickly, and by following these tips you will be able to cover more ground, remain alert, return home safely, and ultimately have a more enjoyable experience.
Of the 10 tips below, hydration and fitness are the two most critical factors in staying safe and comfortable in the hot weather.
- Hydration starts before you step into the field. The day before the hunt drink plenty of water, stay away from salty foods and lay off the alcohol. The morning of the hunt I like to pre-hydrate. I drink plenty of water during breakfast, and try to down about 8-16 ounces right before I start walking. The way I look at it, that’s one less water bottle I have to carry!…”
‘Keeping an Outdoor Journal‘ Blog post (unpublished)
“The main reason I keep a journal is to preserve the memories that are sure to escape me with the passage of time. There are, however, a number of other very good reasons other than this to keep a journal. The key is to make it your own. Write what you want to write, keeping track of what is important to you. You may want to write long and eloquent passages about the verdant landscape through which the tumbling brook passes, or you may want to list water temps, hatches, # of fish caught, their length and weight, weather, wind, etc.
The key is to make keeping a journal a habit. Start with a blank book or an app (more on that later) and write about your latest trip while it is very fresh in your mind. Some of my favorite entries were written streamside but don’t punish yourself if you wait a few days-you just won’t remember some of the details. You may not know at first what you should write so start with the basics-where you fished, who you were with, when you went, what you caught, or didn’t catch, hatches and weather.”