The Outdoor Experience

You know, I firmly believe there is a special connection with the natural world that transcends practical reason to the outdoorsman or woman; as one or a whole we evolve to see every season as a special part of the full circle of life. This becomes a part of our being, it becomes US.

As hunters and fishermen we experience all times of year with sharply tuned senses; we drink in our surroundings and we observe and learn from what they teach. And certainly, while many people see autumn as the advent to the close of another year, without question as outdoorsmen we revel in the wondrous colors, sights and smells of the fall months far over and above the obvious addition of actual hunting seasons for various types of game. While we are afoot in the woodlands and fields, we see the workings of the natural world and revel in them.

But what is it that draws us into the wild outdoors? Why do we do the things we do in rain, hail, sleet and snow, in insufferable heat and incredible cold?

It may well be that it is in winter where the true magic shines through; at a time of year where many people see nothing but cold, dreary life in a drab colorless world, we as outdoorsmen instead marvel at the extra dimension this unique time of year brings to the outdoor experience, whether that be north or south, east or west...a season with its own undeniable charm that graciously allows the outdoorsman his or her ultimate pleasures of the outdoor sports in enjoying nature at all times of year.

Hunting, training and spending time with dogs, fishing, scouting, exploring, hiking,and horseback riding...all these things bring an extra opportunity to find the many hidden beauties and pleasures available for those that keep their senses sharpened throughout the year...For me, there is not only the draw to my relationships with my dogs, but also the lure from what beckons around the next bend in the road or over the next hill or mountain...it's the unknown...it's what still remains to be seen, experienced, explored and lived...Live like there's no tomorrow.