This Year, I have several Christmas wishes to share with you.
First things first, I hope that Santa granted everyone’s wish and that we will all have a happy and prosperous 2016.
Next, I am staring yet another milestone in my life, in that I am about to become SEVENTY!!!!!!!!! Yep, on the 11th of January, I roll over (not literally I hope!) into my next decade! With that in mind, a couple of Christmas wishes come to mind for yours truly. I could use another chance at a buck next November that would field-dress over 200 pounds (don’t even ask!). I should probably put more emphasis on continuing good health, but I’d prefer the deer! I intend to spend more time at our camp in the West Forks and to fish and hunt more. Last but not least, I’d like 2016 to be the year when I break the jinx and finally, mercifully land that big tarpon with a fly rod (again, don’t ask!). Seriously, continued good health and more time with the love of my life, Lila, will do nicely thanks.
I would like to see the economy in Maine rebound, particularly in the area of outdoor recreation. I wish that our deer herd would begin to come back, both in numbers and quality. Amazing that Maine is not even in the top twenty of locations in which to hunt deer. This after decades where we were THE place to hunt whitetails.
With the announcement this morning that yet another paper mill is eliminating jobs, a turn-around in our State’s economy, creating more jobs would be huge. We need to promote, promote, and promote even more, Maine and its endless number of natural wonders and resources.
Lila and I hope that Santa fulfills your Christmas wishes again this year. Thanks so very much to all of you for reading my columns and for your suggestions for topics to write about.
Next month…Cold Water Fishing