Ed’s Western Decor

Generally speaking, a young man can’t be taught how to fish for the “Big Bass” that eludes the best of fishermen.  He usually gears up and tries to learn the hard way and once again, he usually persists unsuccessfully.  Eventually, as he grows into maturity, he becomes wiser, listening to the masters, and he gains outdoor fishermen’s wisdom from the more experienced and weathered “Ole Timers’ Club.”  The young man can add trophies to his outdoor wall-art collection by reading articles and lists like the two articles published in the Field & Stream magazine, April 2009, pages 47-61.

Like anything that’s worthwhile, fishing for trout, walleyes, pike and crappies has its masters and rewards.   Here are a few: Don Wirth, Will Ryan, Gerald Almy, Kirk Deeter, Mark Hicks, Doug Pike, and Noel Vick.  These men all participated collectively. . . sharing with all young men, by giving their own wisdom and experience, writing “Fishing’s Cutting Edge.”  Check it out young man.

While reading Ducks Unlimited, Nov./Dec. 2009, pages 42-47, I discovered how water fowlers can obtain “high-quality hunting without breaking the bank.”

“The sub titles of the article are: “Hunting Spots for Budget-Minded Hunters, Budget Blinds, Low-Cost Decoy Spreads, Saving Dollars on Equipment, Strategies for Hunting Ducks on a Budget, Have the Right Mindset, and SAVE MONEY; HIRE A GUIDE.”

This information makes good sense.  Here’s another budget tip: Invest in high quality metal wildlife silhouettes, as a reminder of your duck hunt.  It’s  more budget friendly than taxidermy.

It’s not too difficult to agree with house trainer Al Dunning about training your horse outside the rails of the arena. Speaking from my limited riding experiences, I can’t imagine going around in circles within the confines of an arena, day after day.  If I’m rejuvenated by riding in an interesting environment, it only makes sense to me that my horse would benefit by being refreshed . . . seeing different scenery also. 

The article I’m referring to is published in the Horse and Rider magazine, May 2009, pages 58-64.   In order to have a well-rounded horse, Al writes: “Many, if not most, of today’s horses are raised in stalls or small pens, and therefore lack exposure to varied terrain and footing.”

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announcement of euthanizing older and unadoptable wild horses set off an alarm.  In response, a wild horse conservationist came forward to their rescue.  A Texan, Madeleine Pickens, married to oil billionaire T.Bone Pickens, has a big heart for helping the wild horses.  Madeleine Pickens proposes a wild-horse sanctuary by ultimately adopting the existing 33,100 horses . . . and providing open range land to roam freely over 10 western states.

For more information, read the published article, “BLM Bailout.’ in the Western Horseman magazine, February 2009, pages 29-30.

Rodeo competitions are big events in Houston, Texas and Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Rodeos are also a big deal in smaller towns throughout most of the Western States in America.  Personally, the smaller county rodeos are exciting with great talented cowboys, cowgirls, and livestock as well.  The smaller rodeo is the place for acquiring skills, experience, and a little money along for the ride.

Thanks to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys’ Associations (PRCA) for their efforts to support smaller rodeo events.  PRCA is bringing better pay for better athletes, good quality livestock, and entertainment.  It’s a means of keeping this western lifestyle alive.  It’s the American Way!  Read the Western Horseman magazine, March 2009, pages 66-67.

Are you an RV’er and traveling the USA to see the great outdoors? Are you interested in expanding friends and family?  Then join the Good Sam Club and participate in some of the Good Sam Club’s activities called a “SAMBOREE!”  Call ahead for locations and times.  Check the Highways magazine, March 2009, pages 40-42, for e-mails and more information. The following schedule lists some of the upcoming events: 

Ohio - America the Beautiful; May 8-10.  Call Dave Spragg, 270-954-0379.  Michigan - Spring Welcome to Game Show; May 15-17.  Call Joseph Halhober, 734-241-3740.   Minnesota - Spring Pirates; May 21-24.  Call Brenda O’Neil, 320-584-8076.  Indiana - On the Road Again;  May 22-25.  Call Wayne Crise, 260-357-3216.  Maine - State Samboree; May 29-31.  Call Diane Qualey, 207-651-3133.  Manitoba - Manitoba & Northwest Ontario Samboree; June 3-7.  Call sharon Burke, 204-837-5358.  Utah - It’s a Bug’s Life Samboree; June 10-13.  Contact Glenn Carro, 801-571-1803.   Idaho - Good Sam RV Rallly, June 10-14.  Contact Jane Mehlhaff, 208-461-7709.   Saskatchewan - Provincial Samboree; June 10-14.  Call Marcia Shalley, 306-545-6606.  Iowa - State Grand Old Opry Samboree; June 11-14.  Call Lorene Hynes, 563-582-5573.  Nebraska - Hawaiian Luau Samboree; June 11-14.  Call Fred Hatch, 308-870-2441.  Connecticut - State Samboree; June 12-14.  Contact Sandra Bulson, 860-642-7258.  Alberta - Provincial Samboree; June 17-21.  Contact Eleanor McLeod, 780-464-6544