Dare to do something different outdoors in 2015

I suppose to some degree columnists are required to bring something interesting, thought provoking, inspiring or possibly even challenging from time to time. I presume that goes for outdoor writers, as well. But, in all honesty, that’s not always easy when you’re living in paradise — The Sportsman’s Paradise, that is.
What I’ve come to learn living in Louisiana since 1984 is what is below average for Bayou State locals is pretty spectacular for those who reside outside our borders, when comparing outdoors activities.
Take the popularity of kayak fishing nationally, for instance. This growing sport hasn’t reached its peak where enthusiasts are concerned yet. Moreover, kayak-fishing tournaments are held across the country, drawing numerous participants.
This past year, Grand Isle’s “Ride the Bull Redfish Tournament” broke the world’s record for kayak tournament participants. The 732 kayak anglers who entered the contest shattered the old mark of 488 from the same Ride the Bull tournament the year before.
This goes for non-game activities, as well. Louisiana is considered one of the top five birding states in America. There are few places on the continent where a novice birder can count perhaps as many as 75 to a 100 different species in a single weekend if they time it right.
Sadly, if an angler or hunter doesn’t get a limit of fish or ducks, then the outing has often been deemed dreadful. Louisiana’s waterfowl hunters annually harvest more ducks than any other state in the Mississippi flyway. Moreover, sometimes more than a couple states combined.
But, after the season, many hunters will say they don’t know where all of the birds are that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said there were.
The bottom line is: we’re spoiled. Too much of a good thing will do that to a person.
So, in 2015, why not dare to do something different?
And since you’ve been there and done that, why not encourage or coach someone who hasn’t?
Take the Youth Hunter of the Year Program co-sponsored by the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, for instance. This program simply encourages youth, 15 years old and under, to write about his or her hunting experience along with a photograph. The boy and girl winners receive valuable prizes from the organization and are recognized and honored at the LOWA Annual Conference.
Another opportunity to do something different is mentoring a youth through the Louisiana Heritage Hunting Program, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Mentors are matched with a youth apprentice and are asked to guide them through their journey to becoming an independent hunter.
There is also the annual Step Outside Day that usually takes place the Saturday before Mother’s Day each year. Step Outside is held at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sherburne Wildlife Management Area Complex and Shooting Range and provides youth the opportunity to participate in safe, hands-on outdoor activities.
In 2015, LOWA will sponsor the First Annual Youth (boy and girl) Angler of the Year Program. The format will follow closely the Youth Hunter of the Year design, encouraging youth to submit their fishing story with a photograph.
In short, there are tremendous opportunities for adults to encourage youth to participate in outdoor activities when catching a limit of speckled trout or redfish becomes “old hat.”
Honestly, there are also activities for adults looking for something different to do as well. Take the upcoming 10th Annual Eagle Expo scheduled for Feb. 26-28. The recovery of the southern bald eagle is a story nothing short of amazing, and Morgan City is the epicenter of its restoration.
Once again, there will be presentations, workshops and boat tours to view eagles in their natural habitat. If you’ve never done something like this before, 2015 is the year you need to do something different by attending.
If you like a challenge and perhaps are tired of chasing bass in March and April (typically the prime months around these parts), why not be different by taking up turkey hunting. Watch it, though; this sport is like a disease that can get in your blood. Moreover, one you’ll never recover from.
The LDWF soon will be sending out public notices of upcoming Wildlife Management Area lotteries to hunt turkey.
You can learn more about all of these activities by going to the LDWF and LOWA websites.
Like most New Year’s resolutions, daring to be different takes a little effort.
But, by living in the Sportsman’s Paradise, it’s a whole lot easier than in other states. This is going to be another exciting year …
If you wish to make a comment or have an anecdote, recipe or story you wish to share, you can contact John K. Flores at 985-395-5586, or gowiththeflo@cox.net, or visit his website at www.gowiththeflooutdoors.com.