A column by Larry Case for The Register-Herald
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Once I had a good friend that would relate many of the things that we deal with in life to the realm of the outdoor world. Hunting, fishing, trapping, and boating all served as a backdrop for his often earthy observations. As I stumble into my advanced years I catch myself doing the same thing.
Sometimes he would compare a buddy’s marital woes to various turkey hunting scenarios (“He got flushed off the roost and he ain’t comin’ back”). If a task wasparticularly difficult, he would say it was “Like putting a wool sweater on a bobcat”. You get the idea.
Although I am not that well read on Robert Frost poems, I wanted to use the quote from his famous “The Road Not Taken” to illustrate the intended theme of this column.
When the editor of this newspaper extended to me the very generous offer to write a column dealing with the outdoor world, I took it — but with some reservations. I wanted to do this, but like Frost, I wanted the road less taken.
Like many of you I’m a hunter, fisherman, trapper and former river guide. I don’t rightly know how many shotguns I have at present, but it’s not enough. I’ve owned beagles, blueticks, cur dogs and pointers. I had one really good dog in my life and have spent more than I will admit looking for another one.
Just to put a finer point on the hunting part, I will confess to being somewhat obsessed with turkey hunting, spring and fall. One more thing, I have worked for the Division of Natural Resources for 35 years. I say all this only by way of introduction; I really don’t consider myself an expert on anything.
On this journey I hope that you will join me. We may float the river one day for smallmouths and the next head to some farm land with the 22.250 and see if there are any groundhogs left…