Quote Michael Scott: It takes a big man to admit his mistakes, and I am that big man. In an article published in the Lakeland Ledger last Friday in which I dispense advice on applying for Statewide Alligator Harvest Permits, I erroneously stated that county-wide permits were only valid for waterbodies outside of city limits. (Also to be clear, because it does read funny, county-wide permits are NOT valid for waterways that have their own sets of permits.) Turns out… Read More ..read more

At 11:30 a.m. on March 6th, I shot an Osceola as he strutted in silence behind a pair of hens who’d checked in on my Cypress Creek box call. At 50 yards, it was no easy poke, especially with the .410. He had no interest in closing the distance, though, never abandoning his female companions once they slowed their pace to stare at the decoy, his tail and poof-ed out feathers likely creating significant drag in the steady winds. The… Read More ..read more

A traditionalist, I am not. Crossbows during public land archery seasons? I’m ready to fight like William Wallace to make this happen and will promptly put the kids’ college funds on the backburner to purchase a state-of-the-art Ravin if successful. I am, however, intrigued by novelty, trying out new weapons and methods, and hunting new places. And that’s why I recently purchased a flintlock muzzleloader. Now, this isn’t your great-great-great-great-great grandfather’s flintlock. No, this is a Traditions Pennsylvania Flintlock Muzzleloader.… Read More ..read more

Last May, PJ, Tim, and I dined in the parking lot of the Benezette Hotel, sampling their restaurant’s signature elk burgers and wondering when the hell we’d spot actual elk. The small unincorporated town in Elk County, Pennsylvania marketed itself, after all, as the “Elk Capital of Pennsylvania.” The Elk Country Visitor Center, less than two miles north of the hotel off Winslow Hill Road, hosts the state’s annual drawing for their coveted elk hunting permits, for which I donate… Read More ..read more

The Phase I Application period for the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program begins May 7th and ends the 17th. Each year, residents and non-residents vie for approximately 7,000 permits, each eligible to kill two gators. In 2020, 16,172 people applied for 7,679 permits. So, competition is stiff. Of course, not all permits are the same in terms of desirability and availability. And, individual hunters have varying goals, some content with filling tags with meat gators and others hoping to bag a… Read More ..read more

Not being a fan of refried beans, I subbed out that brown mash with queso blanco nacho dip for my Cheesy Wild Turkey Leg Tostadas. To boost the cheese game even more, I grated queso fresco and sprinkled sharp cheddar over the steaming hot heap of shredded turkey running gear. So let’s get to it. Four Wild Turkey Drumsticks and Thighs Two Large Cans of Red Enchilada Sauce Pre-made Tostada Shells Red Cactus White Cheese Sauce Wheel of Queso Fresco… Read More ..read more

“Now it is pleasant to hunt something that you want very much over a long period of time, being outwitted, out-maneuvered and failing at the end of each day, but having the hunt and knowing every time you are out that, sooner or later, your luck will change and that you will get the chance that you are seeking.” – Hemingway  Sensing my presence amid the rain and the snow, the bruin heaved up onto his hind legs and bellowed… Read More ..read more

For those keeping track of such matters, the topic of Restricted Hunting Areas (RHAs) is not on the May agenda for the FWC Commission meeting on the 12th & 13th. I have it on good authority that it is expected to be addressed during the August assembly. That leaves the May agenda low on hunting-related items. Some fascinating subjects in the saltwater fishing world, though, which is always worth paying attention to as that world is influenced by numerous stakeholders… Read More ..read more

Biologically speaking, a hooded merganser is what you get if you feed a wood duck after midnight. Though far more handsome than their common and red-breasted kin, hoodies are still a fright, with their periscoping white headdress and thin, serrated beaks. These little fish-eating ducks are at home in tidal saltwater bays and stagnating inshore stormwater ponds. They’re fine sport with a shotgun but as table fare would force a toddler to choose Brussels sprouts. Odd birds, for sure, but… Read More ..read more

Incredible sequence of events took place on April 17th at the Highland Park Church athletic field in Lakeland. I’m happy to report everyone is safe, first of all. While enduring the stifling heat for my son’s flag football game, a FWC truck rolled in behind me. Crap – they found me! Ducking underneath my wide-brimmed hat, I followed the officer with my peripherals as he parked at the stormwater pond on the east side of the field. I sensed then… Read More ..read more