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Growing up in the northern United States, each autumn I found myself observing huge flocks of ducks, geese and other migratory waterfowl flying south to spend the winter months in some distant warm place.
I was never quite as fortunate as those birds that would spend the winter relaxing on distant beaches in paradise, or at least that’s what my young mind thought. But at least I had an insulated house, a working furnace and plenty of layers of warm clothes to protect me and allow me to weather the snow and ice of another tough Michigan winter.
Reprinted from Winter 2010 Upland Tales magazine.
Brooks and Heather Eaton, author of this article, made Rudy buttons at the 2008 Pheasant Fest. Brooks is now Vice Chair of the Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever National Youth Leadership Council (PF & QF NYLC).
Can we teach everyone about habitat and conservation? Can we get all kids enjoying the outdoors? Can we show legislators the importance of outdoor education, habitat and conservation? I know one person who has certainly made an outstanding effort to make all of this possible. A fellow Pheasants Forever National Youth Leadership Council member and, proudly, friend of mine, Brooks VanDerBeek has incredible passion and drive to get things done.
Recently, during its state convention, the Izaak Walton League awarded Brooks with its “Iowa Youth Conservationist of the Year” award. There isn’t a more deserving person than Brooks to receive this honor. He doesn’t just get involved himself, but because of his passion for conservation, makes others want to get involved as well.
Let me tell you a story about how dogs and humans became such good friends. The story is fictional, but based on actual evidence found by anthropologists and their educated guesses. Anthropology is the science of human beings, especially the study of our ancestors in relation to our environment and societies:
It was the worst drought any human or wild dog could remember. There was no grass or wildlife anywhere. The ancient dog pack was desperate for food as they roamed the night far beyond their usual range looking for anything edible. more…
Humans have been practicing the art of animal tracking since we became hunter-gatherers many millions of years ago. Today’s hunters, soldiers, police and others have kept this ancient art alive. For hunters, a wide array of techniques and methods have been passed down through the years, but in all situations, tracking “opens the door” to the life of the animal or species being observed or hunted.
Max, the yellow lab, is a superb tracker and does some investigating on his own!
Most nature enthusiasts like to observe wildlife up-close or through binoculars and scopes; however, we gain a better understanding of the animal’s behavior by interpreting its tracks and signs. Once you have practiced and mastered the art of tracking and know what to look for, you gain valuable information about the wildlife you track. The best part is that you may even get the chance to observe your quarry up close and undisturbed in its natural habitat.
