Jan 26, 2018 5 min read

Man has left his footprint on the moon and has seen beyond the stars. Yet it seems he can’t rebuild a tiny state park that was damaged by industry. If my information is correct, monies have already been paid so that the damaged park could be at the least partially redone.

Of course, I am talking about Ryerson State Park.

Is prying the money from the control of politicians and politics the problem? As most readers know, the lake and dam were ruined when the structure of the dam shifted from its foundation. Now you have a little park without its lake that was a favorite fishing spot in an area that has very few fishing waters.

It has been close to two years since I attended a meeting in Rogersville to debate the future of the park. It seemed at the time that restoring the dam was dead in the water and the people had better look at other options. A new swimming pool seemed all but assured at the time. Perhaps a 4- to 6-acre fishing pond and improved trails were on the agenda. I suggested a small pavilion where local talent, some good and some not so good, could perform.

Such a place also could be used by local politicians to speak on not only re-elections but also the problems of the day. Unfortunately for those living in Greene County, things seem to be in limbo with very little movement toward restoring anything at the park.

• On Saturday, I will be presenting some youngster the George H. Block Scholarship Award. It will be presented to a boy or girl under age 18 and residing in Washington County, who has met the requirements. That weekend is the weekend of the Sports Show at the Washington Crown Center Mall. The presentation will be held at 1 p.m. in front of the Bon Ton. I hope readers will come out to support me in congratulating one of our youth, who is our first recipient. The deer measuring will be held again this year. You can sign up at the County League booth starting Friday.

Measuring is on Saturday and signing up will get you in sooner. There also will be a sporting dog show right after my presentation this year. I will be attending all three events this year. I have been measuring at this event since the show began but now that I am semi-retired, the new head scorer Matt Weinzen of Coal Center will be there to score.

I am still able to score the big game of America and my signature on an official Boone & Crockett sheet is still valid because I am what’s called emeritus. But it’s nice to know we have a fine new official Boone & Crockett representative. If Matt gets an overflow, he can use me as back up. After 30 years, it’s someone else’s turn. I hope it is as great an experience for Matt as it’s been for me.

• January and February are the sports show months and many of us attend all the local shows. Going to the show in Monroeville reminds me that I didn’t hunt bear last fall but I did have a valid excuse. The sports shows reminded me that last year instead of bear hunting I went to Missouri whitetail deer hunting. This deer hunt was the result of meeting Matt Shoemaker at the sports show in Monroeville. At the time of the show, I wasn’t completely sure I wanted to skip bear season but if I were to hunt with the Macon County Outfitters, I would.

Matt works two shows a year and both are in Pennsylvania. So, surprisingly, you find quite a few hunters from Pennsylvania hunting here. This large tract of land is leased by the Shoemaker family. As I studied the Boone & Crockett record book, I found Missouri held sixth place among the states, just ahead of Ohio. One of the top spots for trophy Whitetail is Pike County in Illinois and Macon in Missouri is very close to Pike County. I liked that very much. After talking to Matt at the show and taking all of this into consideration, I decided this was a place to go see. I spent seven days there hunting deer and having a look. I must admit, I have been on some good hunts and some real stinkers in my time. There is no doubt that this was the best guided or semi-guided hunt I have ever been on. Matt not only kept his word but he did even more than what was promised.

The hunt I booked was a semi-guided hunt. Matt and his helpers put you in a good spot and then you are on your own. If you scored, they came and took care of your buck, which was great too. I gave the facility an A, the hunt A-plus and the food an A. I think I am a little picky about food and not so picky about the facility, which is still being worked on, but I liked it and was comfortable as was my hunting buddy.

I am always picky about whitetail deer and thought the sight and hunt itself was a great one. We saw some beautiful, healthy deer and each took nice bucks. If my health holds up, I have every intention of returning next year.

If you get a chance to attend either the Harrisburg show or the one in Monroeville, look up Macon County Outfitters and tell them you know me. The number is 660-216-4413. It is a 12-hour drive from here but comes highly recommended. If you call, make sure you tell them George sent you.