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Invasive species almost always cause problems
The brown trout is one of the very few that I am glad it is here. Brought in from Europe in the 19th century, it is the trout that lives in that deep, dark hole where the spring floods have undercut the bank.
The brownie offers the expectation of a huge hooked-jaw fish around every bend of slow moving trout water. The brown trout is an invasive species although a welcome one.
Many others, however, are damaging to the ecosystem even going so far as threatening native animals and plants with extinction.
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Most of us have heard of zebra mussels that entered the Great Lakes through St. Lawrence Seaway. Then there were snake fish that travel across land to new waters. There is also hog weed that causes skin blisters and the ever-scratching multi-flora that has taken over much of the landscapes choking out more desirable plants.
Our trees are an important asset perhaps more important than many realize. They not only provide shade for all of us and food for wildlife, they scrub the air of pollutants. Trees are nature's air conditioner and purifier all in one and do it without a down side.
As important as small cars and cleaner power plants are to the future, the importance of trees is greater.
Now we see that ash trees are being attacked by a small insect called an ash boreer. Years ago we lost the most common Pennsylvania hardwood tree, the Chestnut. And the leaf miner has been turning locust trees brown for at least 10 years.
This little brown insect stresses the tree in late summer but doesn't kill them unless they are further stressed by an extreme drought. When you travel a rural road and see that the hillside has turned brown it is a hillside of locusts you are looking at.
Carp that stir up the bottom of a pond, grackles and bugs that kill and stress trees are all the result of a fast-shrinking world with damaging results.
Maybe nature can repair itself, for we sure aren't doing a very good job.
Have you noticed that green scum on many local farm ponds?
A good rain clears the water surface but the scum is back in a few days. I understand it is called pond meal and is brought in by migratory birds. The pond can be treated, although the chemical is expensive and doesn't prevent a return of the scum.
If its not one thing its another.
n My friend Joe has been waiting for a call from his surgeon to schedule an operation. He fully expected to be in and out in September but instead his surgery will be in the middle of October. That is the middle of archery season and not only does he have to worry about the surgery, but in all probability will miss archery season.
That is a low blow. Looking beyond archery, he asked me what I thought about bear and regular buck season. Would he be able to use his .350 Rem Mag or his .300?
My advice was to dig out his .243 or .257 and get them ready just in case. I have seen many deer downed with both and they have worked better than expected. You can't judge a cartridge by its size.
Bear season comes first and poses the greater problem.
Bears are larger than deer. They wear fur coats that can be muddy or wet. The hunter must deal with a heavier layer of fat than is on a deer and all of the above means more bullet penetration is needed.
The answer when using the lighter calibers is to turn to bullets such as the NosIer partition and to avoid the fast-opening ones like the ballistic tip.
Placed properly, either cartridge combined with the right bullet will anchor a bear though neither is ideal.
I am sure after only five weeks to recover from surgery, Joe won't feel like running around the big woods but instead will be found sitting and watching. He is an excellent shot and will be careful in placing a shot.
Much the same can be said about deer season, although a lighter, faster-opening bullet can be used. The real secret is in preparing well before the surgery.
Get ready and there is no excuse to not downing a buck.
Of course after the deer is down, Joe may need someone to drag any game that is bagged.
And taking things a step further, on the bright side, everyone will feel sorry for him and probably will drive deer his way.
They will chase them and then drag them what more could one want?
A while back, I had a hernia repaired and wasn't allowed to walk over uneven terrain or carry anything heavy. It was the spring gobbler season and a friend who owned property saw my problem and cut a trail up the hill to a wooded thicket. Here he cleared a spot and placed a seat.
All I had to do was drive to the spot, hide the truck, walk 25 yards and hunt. That was a great season for turkey hunting. That guy was a real friend indeed.
Another time a buddy was in a car accident damaging facial bones and wasn't allowed to shoot his .30-06. I loaned him my .222 and he downed his buck.
I have a hunch injuries close to hunting season are not that uncommon.
Like all dilemmas there is an answer. Where there is a will there is a way.
