Looking out my window at the snow and sleet still covering the grass, I've pondered the recent events and the changes on the horizon. It has been said that the only constant in life is change, and as I get older, I believe age may speed up the perception of those changes.
Back at the beginning of February, I again applied for the pot of leftover tags in Idaho to elk hunt. The group of 4 of us had not drawn tags and we agree to put in the same areas and order. We pulled the trigger and awaited our outcome again. Finally, the email arrived and we were greeted with the bitter taste of disappointment once again. It seems the changes nationally to the opportunities for elk now favor those that can afford, or are willing, to put in for and get points in multiple states over multiple years. The states see the opportunity and require non-refundable licenses just to enter the draws. I am old fashioned a bit, and it just rubs me the wrong way as hunting and fishing used to be things "everyday folks" could do without spending a small fortune. I've been hunting "my way" for elk and have yet to harvest an animal in over 16 trips with my low-tech sticks. I'm not complaining, but now it seems that if I need to spend that much money just to hunt, I am encouraged to use a weapon that will bring quicker success. Well, that is not for me, and I'll likely not be making those trips again. This year, we may try to get OTC deer tags and hunt in October since the 4 of us have licenses now, but I doubt I will be putting in for Idaho elk again. Times have changed.
Back in my home state of Maryland, the assembly is busy passing laws that prohibit lead ammo for hunting and imposing a HUGE tax on ammunition as they continue the war on guns...an in-adamant object, while simultaneously attacking law enforcement all in the name of safety? As it stands there is a recruitment problem with hunters. Less and less hunters forced on dwindling lands and they decide to make it more expensive?! This will only reduce future hunter recruitment and only serve to enrich the ammo and gear manufacturers while providing no real benefit to the environment. How many shots does one take while hunting? What does it mean for those like me who want to use the flintlock. I guess more inevitable and uncontrollable changes.
Recently, I decided to try to unplug and get away to a local trout stream to fish. The DNR posted that they had stocked this stream with 500 fish just 2 weeks ago. I set out with high hopes to try out some of my newly tied flies and practice my skills. I was joined by my friend Mike, and we enjoyed a nice few hours knee deep in some cold clear water. Well, it became obvious that there was no way DNR stocked that many fish. I talked to close to 10 other fishermen and only one claimed to have even seen a single trout. Lied to again.
All this makes one want to drink! Well, instead I decided to tie up a few Jack Daniels pattern flies. Dreaming of a time when I can get to a lonely piece of stream and try my luck on some fish. Not buy them, but coax them in, to a homemade treat. Not sure that is a lot to ask.
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