Like I was there OUTDOOR

A few weeks ago, I received an email that included a copied Over the years a boat full of net men and net women have assisted me in my quest for big fish. They are all completely trustworthy people who understand that “loose lips sink ships.” Breaching my trust would result in their boat privileges being revoked. I also have a couple of CIs (Confidential Informants) who I rely on for any and all intel when it comes to the morel mushroom hunting seasons. Don’t bother trying to find out who they are because Big Thunder Dan and Mushroom Mel are their aliases. In a recent development which came about partly by injury and partly by accident, I added a shed hunting secret agent to my stable of confidants.

A while ago I suffered a freak injury that basically rendered me immobile. Missing a shed hunting season is far from the worst thing that is ever going to happen to me but it still stings a little not being able to get out and about. If you have ever had an Achilles tendon injury you know that the rate of improvement is at a snail’s pace. Through the early weeks the improvement is almost imperceptible and the only thing that will help is time. When you are the one under a medical house arrest there is only so much that you can do, and time is also your enemy. Having said all that, it was an unexpected treat when I got a text message that simply read: “Can you Face-Time me right now?”

A few seconds later I was looking at a section of woods that I was very familiar with. It was near to where I have picked a fair share of mushrooms over the years. It was also a spot where I currently have a trail camera nearby and where I have found shed antlers.

The voice on the line said: “I thought this might cheer you up. Since you can’t make it out, I thought I would shed hunt for you.” My phone showed the woods instead of the caller but I didn’t need to see the face, I recognized the friendly voice. The caller gave me the backstory of picking up a deer trail and following it east. The phone then zoomed in on a trail and there amongst the deer tracks was a four-point shed antler. It was so awesome. I felt like I was there in the woods and I was the one to come across the shed. After so many “Ground Hog Days,” today was finally different because it felt like a normal day when I would actually be out shed hunting. I got to experience the thrill of seeing that whitetail antler laying in the snow with points up.

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at [email protected] Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @thepiercecountyjournal

BY DAVE BECK