Early 2010 Happenings (rewrite)

Wow, I can't believe it's already moving into February.  It just seems a few days ago, I was putting the boat away for the winter, and now I'm already planning my annual pilgrimage to Texas in search of my first 10 pound bass.

A lot has happened already in 2010.  Fishing Licence fees have gone up, Iowans lost an avid outdoor champion (see story at bottom of page) and winter has grabbed us all by the shorts giving us another reason to question global warming.

I'd like to cover the fishing licence fee issue first.  If you've read my page before, you probably already know I was in favor of a licence increase.  I understand there are many Iowans struggling these days with the tough economic times, myself included, but a $1.50 cent increase in seems like something we can all handle to support the outdoors we enjoy so much.  I'm guessing most people could find that much in can redemption right now in their garage.  I have been to many other states fishing and can guarantee you it's the best $19.00 you'll spend this year for the fun your receive year round.

Who was the guy that first came up with this global warming thing anyway? For some reason, Al Gore pops into my mind, but I'm not sure if he thought he invented the internet or if he alerted us to global warming. In either case I'm laughing my ... off right now.  I think it's time step back and consider that maybe it's just a weather pattern or climate change that's been happening on this big blue ball for many years.  And this year in particular seems to be a show of cold weather and ice.  On the bright side, I've been wearing out the pan fish each weekend and my wife is happy to see our freezer full of fillets.

Finally, on a sad note Iowans and outdoor enthusiasts across the county lost a true outdoor champion on January 19, 2010 when Bernie Boyle was killed in an automobile accident.  Bernie lived in Danville Iowa and enjoyed hunting and had competed in duck calling competitions for the past 25 years.  Bernie won the world championship of duck calling in 2002 and 2004 and the 2005 world champion of champions.  Bernie was a guest on our pheasant hunting show last year when we visited Rob Faith of Faith's Fowl Play (show can been seen in past episodes).

While I was only around Bernie for the filming of that episode, I knew he had a genuine passion for the outdoors, like so many of us share and I'm very sorry for his passing.  Among other family members, Bernie is survived by his wife and two children. He was not only active in the outdoors but also in his community and will be missed.  Our thoughts go out to his family.

 

Until next time, get out and enjoy the outdoors right here in your backyard Iowa.

rob@backyardiowa.com

Rob Welch

Host – In Your Backyard Iowa