THE GREAT OUTDOORS
By Larry Whiteley
DRESSING FOR FEBRUARY
Layer yourself with loose fitting clothing. The layers create air spaces that trap heat and the layers can be quickly adapted to changing conditions and activity. Also, choose clothing that wicks away perspiration. Gore-Tex or similar type rainwear is a must. For your hands, mittens are always warmer than gloves. For feet, wear a thin liner sock under a thick wool or synthetic sock.
Those little chemical heat packs for hands, toes and body are wonderful. You can also purchase re-chargeable hand warmers, insoles and even clothing. Finally, cover your head. Not doing so is like expecting a thermos without a lid to keep the coffee warm.
Remember – There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.
THE FURRY WEATHER FORECASTER
The groundhog is well celebrated as a weather forecaster. There’s even a special day for him and this year it’s February 6th. He will be all over the local news that day and we still hope he doesn’t see his shadow.
Only after an uncommonly warm spell will a groundhog awaken and crawl out of its burrow. Groundhogs can begin emerging in early February looking for plant growth to eat. Sometimes, you can even catch them sunbathing or maybe, just maybe, they are out predicting the weather.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GET READY
What do you do during cold, February weather? If your boat and fishing tackle are not ready for spring fishing, now would be a good time to get it ready.
STAND UP AND HELP
COVID-19 has really affected the fundraising efforts of many conservation groups like your state’s conservation federation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Quality Deer Management Association, Trout Unlimited and the list goes on.
Your annual dues and donations help these groups in all their efforts to protect and preserve the outdoors for you and future generations. Also volunteer to help in any way you can. Or, make a donation. Stand up and help.
A GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFT
When it comes time to get a birthday gift for someone this year think about a lifetime hunting or fishing permit or a combination of both. It will never wear out, you don’t have to worry about color or size and it could change their life whether it’s a kid or adult.
A license keeps anglers and hunters on the right side of game officials, the fees from license sales help fund wildlife conservation, habitat restoration and wildlife education and research. Wherever they live, their state’s game agency relies on these funds for up to 75 percent of their budgets. Without this funding, agencies would lack resources to manage fish and game, provide access, keep waters clean and set regulations.
Gifting a hunting or fishing license or both is the first step in creating a lifelong hunter or angler while also helping conservation. Kids may not think much about it at the time but as they get older and enjoy a lifetime of catching fish and hunting game, they will realize it was the best birthday gift they ever received.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“While it is February one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.” ~ Patience Strong, Poet
