Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition ground to a halt after four days in Worcester, Mass. It was a four-day outdoor smorgasborg offering knowledge, entertainment and good old-fashioned American capitalism.
There were many highlights, but for me, it was the people that will prove to be the highlights over time. I was able to meet and have conversations with some really nice and knowledgeable folks during the two days I was there.
Make yourself a promise of attending next year. Mark your calendar now and start checking the Web site toward the end of 2009 for the 2010 Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Fishing & Outdoor Expo
Man, this thing is everything I hoped it would be.
The Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition completed its third (of four) day today. It was my first day here and I'm worn out. I'm also buzzing after a day of looking at trophy animals and outdoor gear, watching seminars and talking about hunting, fishing, boating, camping and general outdoor fun all day.
I met a lot of great people and made many great contacts that will be paying off down the road in terms of articles and better knowledge. I already have books in hand for review and a line on another. I've come across a great turkey hunting product I plan on writing about this spring and made contact with a guy making his own fishing lures for a variety of freshwater fish I expect to be hooking up with in the future in some regard.
The great thing is that I only scratched the surface. I have a full day tomorrow still before returning home Monday with a bag full of literature and notes.
Stay tuned.
The Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition completed its third (of four) day today. It was my first day here and I'm worn out. I'm also buzzing after a day of looking at trophy animals and outdoor gear, watching seminars and talking about hunting, fishing, boating, camping and general outdoor fun all day.
I met a lot of great people and made many great contacts that will be paying off down the road in terms of articles and better knowledge. I already have books in hand for review and a line on another. I've come across a great turkey hunting product I plan on writing about this spring and made contact with a guy making his own fishing lures for a variety of freshwater fish I expect to be hooking up with in the future in some regard.
The great thing is that I only scratched the surface. I have a full day tomorrow still before returning home Monday with a bag full of literature and notes.
Stay tuned.
Friday, February 6, 2009
OutdoorsVT 2-6-09
All over the Green Mountain State, winter events are in full swing.
From winter carnivals and festivals to ice-fishing competitions, snowshoeing and animal tracking.
It's an outdoor paradise here year-round, but the winter activity is quite varied.
So, layer up the clothing, find the hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof boots and hit a few of these events.
Read the column here.
From winter carnivals and festivals to ice-fishing competitions, snowshoeing and animal tracking.
It's an outdoor paradise here year-round, but the winter activity is quite varied.
So, layer up the clothing, find the hat, gloves, scarf and waterproof boots and hit a few of these events.
Read the column here.
Heading to Worcester, Mass.
As soon as I can get away from the office today (and go home and pack) I'm hitting the road for Worcester, Mass., for the 33rd annual Toyota Eastern Fishing & Outdoor Exposition.
The Worcester show is one of three the group is putting on. Although each has a slightly different focus, they all feature impressive lineups. See www.sportshows.com/ for more about the upcoming show in Suffern, N.Y., March 5-8 as well as the details about this weekend's show. A saltwater show is scheduled for March 20-22 in New Jersey.
This weekend's four-day event is chock full of top-notch seminars, acres of displays, and what sounds like a impressive slate of fun demonstrations.
Some of the outdoor industry's biggest names will be teaching their skills. From the bass-fishing world Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli and Ish Monroe will be on hand. Greg Ritz, host of Thompson Center Arms Game Trails TV show will talk about hunting white-tailed deer; Shane Benoit, Vermont's own famous trophy whitetail deer hunter; and New England legend Stu Bristol will talk about turkey hunting and using a GPS unit to improve your hunting success.
Among the other events, some of the highlights are easy to pick out in advance. Others will likely be a surprise.
There will also be a 40-foot mobile fish tank that doubles as a water dog jumping and retrieving platform, as well as a display and activities by the Maine Primitive School, dangerous reptiles of the world, a bird of prey display and presentations.
If that's not enough, there will be more than 350 exhibitors displaying their wares, trips, guiding services and others to take in.
Can't wait. I'll let you know how it goes and what I find.
The Worcester show is one of three the group is putting on. Although each has a slightly different focus, they all feature impressive lineups. See www.sportshows.com/ for more about the upcoming show in Suffern, N.Y., March 5-8 as well as the details about this weekend's show. A saltwater show is scheduled for March 20-22 in New Jersey.
This weekend's four-day event is chock full of top-notch seminars, acres of displays, and what sounds like a impressive slate of fun demonstrations.
Some of the outdoor industry's biggest names will be teaching their skills. From the bass-fishing world Kevin Van Dam, Mike Iaconelli and Ish Monroe will be on hand. Greg Ritz, host of Thompson Center Arms Game Trails TV show will talk about hunting white-tailed deer; Shane Benoit, Vermont's own famous trophy whitetail deer hunter; and New England legend Stu Bristol will talk about turkey hunting and using a GPS unit to improve your hunting success.
Among the other events, some of the highlights are easy to pick out in advance. Others will likely be a surprise.
There will also be a 40-foot mobile fish tank that doubles as a water dog jumping and retrieving platform, as well as a display and activities by the Maine Primitive School, dangerous reptiles of the world, a bird of prey display and presentations.
If that's not enough, there will be more than 350 exhibitors displaying their wares, trips, guiding services and others to take in.
Can't wait. I'll let you know how it goes and what I find.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Women Outdoor Media Association launched
A new group has formed aimed at outdoor women communicators and professionals.
The Women's Outdoor Media Association launched Jan. 17 at the National Shooting Sports Foundation's annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show in Orlando, Fla.
This is what the group says about itself on its Web site:
The Women's Outdoor Media Association launched Jan. 17 at the National Shooting Sports Foundation's annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show in Orlando, Fla.
This is what the group says about itself on its Web site:
"The intention is to complement other media organizations. The difference is that the focus of The WOMA is on what women are doing, and what is being done for them, in the outdoor areas of shooting sports, hunting and fishing."
Involving more women is an important part of growing the ranks of outdoor enthusiasts and only by helping women feel welcome will that happen. Hopefully, this organization will bring more women into the fold, and as a result, their daughters down the road.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Aldo Leopold's Shack Made a Landmark
Aldo Leopold, the father of modern scientific conservation, has had his Wisconsin shack named a National Historic Landmark.
Former Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne made the designation before he left office in December.
Leopold is largely given credit for his contribution to conservation through his leadership and his thoughtful essays in "A Sand County Almanac."
Leopold died at 61 in 1948 just before the book was published.
Former Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne made the designation before he left office in December.
Leopold is largely given credit for his contribution to conservation through his leadership and his thoughtful essays in "A Sand County Almanac."
Leopold died at 61 in 1948 just before the book was published.
Friday, January 30, 2009
OutdoorsVT 1-30-09
Vermont's State Parks aren't just warm-weather destinations.
The camping, fishing, hiking, biking and other activities that can be found at Vermont's parks throughout the warm-weather months are well-known among Vermont's outdoor recreation crowd.
But because many of Vermont State Parks are open for winter activities and are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Read about the winter fun at Vermont State Parks here.
The camping, fishing, hiking, biking and other activities that can be found at Vermont's parks throughout the warm-weather months are well-known among Vermont's outdoor recreation crowd.
But because many of Vermont State Parks are open for winter activities and are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Read about the winter fun at Vermont State Parks here.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Good Article on "Critter Groups"
Great Falls (Montana) Tribune Outdoor Editor Michael Babcock has written a great piece on how the economy is affecting outdoor organizations dedicated to specific species.
Babcock writes: "'Critter groups' — species-specific, hunter- and angler-supported foundations that watch out for elk, mule deer, wild sheep, wild trout and others — seem to have weathered the recession well."
Organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Wild Sheep Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation and Pheasants Forever talk about how they are dealing with members expected to be a little tighter with their purse strings.
Read the article here.
Babcock writes: "'Critter groups' — species-specific, hunter- and angler-supported foundations that watch out for elk, mule deer, wild sheep, wild trout and others — seem to have weathered the recession well."
Organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Wild Sheep Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation and Pheasants Forever talk about how they are dealing with members expected to be a little tighter with their purse strings.
Read the article here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
OutdoorsVT 1-23-09
Exploring the backcountry in the middle of winter on a pair of skinny skis can be intimidating for someone not accustomed to venturing out in what can be an unforgiving environment.
If a person gets lost while hiking in the summer, an uncomfortable night in the woods is about the worst that will happen. But in winter, it can be deadly.
With a little knowledge and the right gear, heading into the woods on skis can be a way to escape the stress of life and enjoy the beautiful Vermont backcountry.
Sunday, newcomers to cross-country skiing will have the chance to learn the basics of the sport while experienced skiers can learn additional skills.
The Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival on Sunday is the work of Bolton Valley Resort and the Catamount Trail Association.
Read about the event here.
If a person gets lost while hiking in the summer, an uncomfortable night in the woods is about the worst that will happen. But in winter, it can be deadly.
With a little knowledge and the right gear, heading into the woods on skis can be a way to escape the stress of life and enjoy the beautiful Vermont backcountry.
Sunday, newcomers to cross-country skiing will have the chance to learn the basics of the sport while experienced skiers can learn additional skills.
The Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival on Sunday is the work of Bolton Valley Resort and the Catamount Trail Association.
Read about the event here.
TRCP Leader Dies
The chairman of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has died.
James D. Range, 63, died Jan. 20 after losing a battle to cancer.
Range was widely respected for his dedicated work in fish and wildlife circles. He had worked as an advisor to former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker who said Range "helped to fashion some of this country's most vital environmental legislation.”
Range was involved with Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, the Wetlands America Trust, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the American Sportfishing Association, the American Bird Conservatory, the Pacific Forest Trust, the Yellowstone Foundation and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.
He was also a board member and chair of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a White House appointee to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Valles Caldera Trust.
The Department of Interior honored Range with the 2003 Great Blue Heron Award, the highest honor given to an individual.
Also in 2003, he was named the Outdoor Life Magazine Conservationist of the Year and the Norville Prosser Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given by the American Sportfishing Association.
For more details on Range's achievements and life, see the release at the TRCP site here.
James D. Range, 63, died Jan. 20 after losing a battle to cancer.
Range was widely respected for his dedicated work in fish and wildlife circles. He had worked as an advisor to former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker who said Range "helped to fashion some of this country's most vital environmental legislation.”
Range was involved with Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, the Wetlands America Trust, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the American Sportfishing Association, the American Bird Conservatory, the Pacific Forest Trust, the Yellowstone Foundation and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.
He was also a board member and chair of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a White House appointee to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Council and the Valles Caldera Trust.
The Department of Interior honored Range with the 2003 Great Blue Heron Award, the highest honor given to an individual.
Also in 2003, he was named the Outdoor Life Magazine Conservationist of the Year and the Norville Prosser Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given by the American Sportfishing Association.
For more details on Range's achievements and life, see the release at the TRCP site here.
Friday, January 16, 2009
OutdoorsVT 1-16-09
Downhill skiing is a thrilling sport that allows a person to pick their type of fun.
There are bumps for those who appreciate the challenge of precision turns and strong thighs, terrifyingly steep drops for the thrill seekers, nearly flat routes for those who are learning their skills but refuse to be relegated to the beginner hills at the bottom, flowing blue runs with rippled corduroy for relaxed cruising, deep powder and even terrain parks.
But one thing all these types of terrain have in common is the need for safety.
Beginning Saturday, ski areas nationwide will be focusing on safety as they participate in National Ski Areas Association's National Safety Week.
Read the rest of the column here.
There are bumps for those who appreciate the challenge of precision turns and strong thighs, terrifyingly steep drops for the thrill seekers, nearly flat routes for those who are learning their skills but refuse to be relegated to the beginner hills at the bottom, flowing blue runs with rippled corduroy for relaxed cruising, deep powder and even terrain parks.
But one thing all these types of terrain have in common is the need for safety.
Beginning Saturday, ski areas nationwide will be focusing on safety as they participate in National Ski Areas Association's National Safety Week.
Read the rest of the column here.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Article Claims Hunting Results in Smaller Animals
Found this interesting article that seems to claim that trophy hunting -- and hunting in general -- is causing rapid evolution of species resulting in smaller animals with smaller antlers/horns.
It is based on a study that says that hunting trophy animals leaves a disproportionate number of smaller animals to reproduce and is creating an artificial "natural selection" resulting in smaller animals with reduced headgear.
It's an interesting theory, but I can't judge if it is biologically sound science. What do you think?
To read the full story, click here.
It is based on a study that says that hunting trophy animals leaves a disproportionate number of smaller animals to reproduce and is creating an artificial "natural selection" resulting in smaller animals with reduced headgear.
It's an interesting theory, but I can't judge if it is biologically sound science. What do you think?
To read the full story, click here.
Friday, January 9, 2009
OutdoorsVT 1-9-09
A national celebration aimed at getting people out onto the trails on snowshoes and cross-country skis.
The 14th-annual Winter Trails offers people a chance to try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at more than 100 locations across the United States and Canada for free.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are among the fastest growing winter sports. There were 1.4 million snowshoers, a number that has increased 60 percent in the last decade. Cross-country skiers number 2.4 million participants, which is a 21.6 percent increase since 2003-04.
Read more about Winter Trails in my column here.
The 14th-annual Winter Trails offers people a chance to try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at more than 100 locations across the United States and Canada for free.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are among the fastest growing winter sports. There were 1.4 million snowshoers, a number that has increased 60 percent in the last decade. Cross-country skiers number 2.4 million participants, which is a 21.6 percent increase since 2003-04.
Read more about Winter Trails in my column here.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
New World Record Elk
478-5/8
Bull Elk
Utah
A Utah hunter has killed what appears to be a new world record bull elk while on a public-land hunt in south-central Utah.
Denny Austad of Ammon, Idaho, killed the nontypical bull in the Monroe Mountains on Sept. 30.
The bull was confirmed Jan. 2 by the Boone and Crockett Club as measuring 478 5/8 after it was taped by a special judges panel. The elk, which sported a 14x9 rack, gross scored 499 3/8 inches.
The bull was officially recognized after it was measured for a final time and an investigation into the hunt proved the bull met requirements for inclusion into the trophy record book for big-game animals taken with a firearm.
"Through our entry process, signed affidavits and follow-up interviews with the hunter, his guides, and state and federal officials, we were satisfied that this bull was indeed a wild, free-ranging trophy and that the tenets of fair chase were used in the harvest," said Eldon Buckner, chairman of the Club's Records of North American Big Game committee.
Austad had hunted for 13 days before connecting with the trophy, which was called "spider bull" because of its antler configuration.
The old world record for a nontypical elk was 465 2/8 B&C points, but that bull was found dead in British Columbia. The previous largest hunter-killed elk scored 450 6/8 B&C points. That elk was killed in 1998 in Apache County, Ariz., by Alan Hamberlin.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
NWTF Founder Dies
The National Wild Turkey Federation has announced the death of Tom Rodgers.
Rodgers, 64, died Dec. 25 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Rodgers is the man who started the NWTF in Fredericksburg, Va., in 1973. He was recently honored with the one-of-a-kind Founder's Award.
"Tom is the reason the Federation is here, working daily to promote wildlife conservation and preserve North America's hunting heritage," said James Earl Kennamer, NWTF chief conservation officer. "The organization is reflecting on its rich history and honoring the man who started it all. He was a great friend personally, a great asset for wildlife and he'll be greatly missed."
NWTF CEO George Thornton said Tom's influence on the conservation industry, wildlife and hunters' rights was immeasurable.
"Without him, the NWTF wouldn't exist, and wild turkeys literally would not be where they are today," Thornton said. "Knowing the man who created the NWTF and recognizing his contributions, which helped make NWTF one of the most dynamic and respected conservation organizations in North America, is truly an honor. "
Today, the NWTF is one of the nation's premier conservation organizations.
Rodgers, 64, died Dec. 25 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Rodgers is the man who started the NWTF in Fredericksburg, Va., in 1973. He was recently honored with the one-of-a-kind Founder's Award.
"Tom is the reason the Federation is here, working daily to promote wildlife conservation and preserve North America's hunting heritage," said James Earl Kennamer, NWTF chief conservation officer. "The organization is reflecting on its rich history and honoring the man who started it all. He was a great friend personally, a great asset for wildlife and he'll be greatly missed."
NWTF CEO George Thornton said Tom's influence on the conservation industry, wildlife and hunters' rights was immeasurable.
"Without him, the NWTF wouldn't exist, and wild turkeys literally would not be where they are today," Thornton said. "Knowing the man who created the NWTF and recognizing his contributions, which helped make NWTF one of the most dynamic and respected conservation organizations in North America, is truly an honor. "
Today, the NWTF is one of the nation's premier conservation organizations.
Friday, January 2, 2009
OutdoorsVT 1-2-09
Happy New Year!
In the spirit of celebration, which hopefully isn't still pounding between your temples, I propose a belated toast.
Raise your coffee mugs please: To the outdoors, to wild places, and to having smart, ethical outdoor fun while in those wild places.
Read the New Year's column by clicking here.
In the spirit of celebration, which hopefully isn't still pounding between your temples, I propose a belated toast.
Raise your coffee mugs please: To the outdoors, to wild places, and to having smart, ethical outdoor fun while in those wild places.
Read the New Year's column by clicking here.
Friday, December 26, 2008
OutdoorsVT 12-26-08
Growing up, my parents instilled in me an ethic about leaving things as I found them. In fact, we left them better than we found them.
When we were packing away a campsite, my final job was to police the grounds. We picked up everything that didn't belong there — old gum wrappers, cigarette butts, tinfoil used in cooking over a campfire … everything. It didn't matter that we had picked up all our own trash, we took everyone else's with us as well.
Today, the "Leave No Trace" ethic is a strong part of many outdoor enthusiasts bags of tricks. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this thought pattern.
In Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has joined the Green Mountain Club, the Vermont Ski Areas Association and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers to encourage the Leave No Trace ethic among backcountry enthusiasts.
Read about the initiative here.
When we were packing away a campsite, my final job was to police the grounds. We picked up everything that didn't belong there — old gum wrappers, cigarette butts, tinfoil used in cooking over a campfire … everything. It didn't matter that we had picked up all our own trash, we took everyone else's with us as well.
Today, the "Leave No Trace" ethic is a strong part of many outdoor enthusiasts bags of tricks. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this thought pattern.
In Vermont, the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation has joined the Green Mountain Club, the Vermont Ski Areas Association and the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers to encourage the Leave No Trace ethic among backcountry enthusiasts.
Read about the initiative here.
Friday, December 19, 2008
OutdoorsVT 12-19-08
Just two days after Christmas, while most people will be tucked away safely in their beds, a group of dedicated bird watchers will be out in the cold on a day that could be, well, for the birds.
The 109th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count began Dec. 14 and runs through Jan. 5.
Rutland County Audubon's 35th effort will be held Dec. 27, as local bird watchers join their state counterparts and those across the nation in for the longest-running wildlife census conducted.
Read about the annual bird census here.
The 109th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count began Dec. 14 and runs through Jan. 5.
Rutland County Audubon's 35th effort will be held Dec. 27, as local bird watchers join their state counterparts and those across the nation in for the longest-running wildlife census conducted.
Read about the annual bird census here.
Friday, December 12, 2008
OutdoorsVT 12-12-08
Killington is celebrating its birthday this weekend, and it's not just any old birthday.
It's the big five-oh.
For 50 years, skiers at Killington have hitched lifts to the top of the mountain and carved their way to the bottom.
Read about the festivities and details about Killington in this column.
It's the big five-oh.
For 50 years, skiers at Killington have hitched lifts to the top of the mountain and carved their way to the bottom.
Read about the festivities and details about Killington in this column.
Friday, December 5, 2008
OutdoorsVT 12-5-08
It's the holiday season and people are looking for gifts for the outdoor enthusiast on their list.
This list of Christmas ideas isn't the standard list with prices and where to get it.
This is a list of alternative ideas including local organizations memberships, the swag they sale, government agencies and gifts suggestions from those agencies.
Read where you can find innovative Christmas gift ideas here.
This list of Christmas ideas isn't the standard list with prices and where to get it.
This is a list of alternative ideas including local organizations memberships, the swag they sale, government agencies and gifts suggestions from those agencies.
Read where you can find innovative Christmas gift ideas here.
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