Social media has been a big deal for several years now. For outdoors people like myself, there is enough to do outside to keep us busy. The need for computer entertainment is relatively nonexistent among us. But how can a computer help a hunter or fisherman?
I finally broke down and joined Facebook this past week. I wasn't aware that I actually knew so many people. In a week’s time, I was able to catch up with over 200 old friends. Besides catching up with people, I found that it is a great source of local news. There are also many people who post information and satirical material about the insufficiency of today’s government. Along with a lot of information pertaining to the attempt by government to strip our second amendment rights. What does this offer the outdoorsman, you could ask? More than you may think!
First, thank you to all my old friends that sent me friend requests. I have missed you all and it has been so nice to reconnect. I'm glad the weather was so rough the last few days as it gave me time to talk to many old and new friends. Many remember me as a social butterfly, but at some point in life, I chose to disconnect. When I reflect, I realize that it was all for the benefit of others which was actually a negative experience for myself. I had become so sick that it was impossible to make plans. I would struggle with trying to make life work, but all it became was work. There was little joy and happiness, mostly loneliness and strife. I chose to disappear into the woodwork because of the stress created by not being able maintain normal activities. Now that I am healed, there is no reason to keep myself from the world. After nearly 12 years of seclusion, you find large groups of people to be completely overwhelming. Even simple conversation can create stress. You just feel like a caged animal, and want to escape to your comfort zone: Woods, water, peace, and quiet. Bear with me folks, it took many years for me to become this way, and may take as many to return to my old self. Lucky for me, I have now regained the support of my dearest friends, their kindness and encouragement will likely speed up the process though.
Outdoorsmen can benefit in several ways by using social media. You can reconnect with old hunting and fishing buddies and plan trips to catch up. You can meet new people that enjoy hunting and fishing and learn new things or plan to meet and experience the outdoors together. You can also put the word out that you will be hunting or fishing, but have no one to go with. Chances are there is someone out there in the same boat. You may also ask where the hot bite is to prevent wasting your time elsewhere.
–––

The big talk this past week, was about the Mayhood's Sporting Goods robbery and death of one suspect. There were many opinions to be seen, from “poor guy” to “he got what he deserved.” I'm somewhere in the middle. I feel for his family and friends, but have little remorse for him personally. Statements were made like he was a good guy and wouldn't have hurt anyone. This may be true, but he had no problem selling or trading the weapons to someone who may not be so nice. As a byproduct of his actions, he knew innocent people could be killed. This highlights his lack of concern for the lives of others. I can and will not have sympathy for anyone who chooses their addiction over the lives of others. People like that have no compassion for others and care nothing about the collateral damage they create. Therefore, to sympathize with them is to accept a lack of compassion for the innocent.
As I had stated in last week’s column. Nature has no feelings nor emotion, and if not prepared, Mother Nature will take your life without question. When I heard that the man was on the run and in the woods in frigid conditions, I knew things wouldn't end well for the him. I now wonder if the police knew how dire his situation was. He was likely not dressed for the conditions, which gave him little time to survive. There was less than a four-hour window of time to react. After less than two hours, the pursuit should have been deemed a rescue operation. By the four-hour mark you are looking at a recovery operation. I fully understand the harshness of the outdoors, and know Mother Nature has no problem acting as judge, jury, and executioner. This has become the perfect example of human law versus nature’s laws.
Hard drugs like the ones he was on have become an epidemic across the country. The police have stated that their hands are tied in most cases, and wish they had the authority to do more. Our community has chosen to fight back in an attempt to protect the next generation and hopefully prevent things like this from happening in the future.
Good wishes and if you like what I stand for you can find me on Facebook. If you don't like what I have to say, don't contact me I don't choose to talk to the ignorant and misinformed.