By Bill Miller
In this career as an outdoor communicator, I’ve been blessed to have idols and role models who became not only personal mentors, but some of my best friends. Over the course of sharing this “Around the Campfire with Bill” blog with you, I’ve told tales of adventures with many of them. I’m talking about Larry Weishuhn, Johnnie Hudman and, especially, J. Wayne Fears.
I’ve often said of Fears that he’s a “been there, done that, but didn’t buy the t-shirt” kind of guy. His exploits in the outdoors as a kid from Tater Knob, Alabama; as a soldier; as a hunting guide and outfitter; as a marksman; as an outdoor culinary genius; as a hunter; and as a writer are ample to fill volumes. And, someday, I hope he produces those volumes for all of us to enjoy. But it’s unlikely. Fears doesn’t like to talk about himself very much.
So it doesn’t surprise me that I had to find out from his lovely wife, Sofee, about the honor that will soon be deservedly bestowed upon my friend. On August 18 in Nashville, Tennessee J. Wayne Fears will be inducted into the “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame. The event will take place on the General Jackson Showboat/Music City Queen paddlewheeler on the Cumberland River.
In addition to Fears, the 11th inductee class to the “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame will include Byron Ferguson– nationally known exhibition archer; Art Ladehoff – one of the founders of Decoys Unlimited and the Founder of Clinton Decoy Company – makers of the Big Foot Decoy; Tommy Martin – professional tournament angler; Joe Hamilton – Director of Development and Founder of Quality Deer Management Association; and Rayo Breckenridge (posthumously) - Bassmasters Classic winner and TV show host. National Hall of Fame member Hank Parker is the keynote speaker.
The gala induction event is open to the public. Individual ticket price is $85. Sponsorship information and individual ticket reservations may be obtained at the “Legends of the Outdoors” website at www.legendsoftheoutdoors.com.
I’d love to be there to see my mentor inducted, but one of the things I learned from him is opportunities to hunt come first (family and work are somewhere in there, too), so we’ll have to see what comes along! Congratulations, my friend.
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The pulse is elevated just a touch. The eyes seem to focus just a bit more sharply. There is pent up excitement and anticipation waiting to surge…
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A honey badger eating a bait intended for a leopard.
Trail cameras help to identify and manage wildlife properly; what other uses do they have?
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I still think about my dad and miss him — every day. I weigh the big and small decisions in my life against the measure … “Will this make Pa proud?”
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Count Down Ticking on FREE Quebec Adventures — Enter Today
Jun 12, 2013, 8:29 AM EDT
Now, this minute, with just a couple of clicks of the mouse is the time to make your entry in the Quebec Ultimate Destination Sweepstakes. Don’t put it off another minute. In fact, make your entry in the spirit of Father’s Day. The trips are all for two, so if you win you can…
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We westerners have a soft heart for those in need, but fail to recognize corruption capitalizing on our compassion. How do we shed light on the truth?
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If I told you how to spend five bucks and guaranteed you could get $4500 in savings, would you do it? I know I would … often as I could.
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What if you had the chance to sit down and talk directly to the administration? What ideas would you put forth as the most important?
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The leopards were there, but the stars failed to align for Huntress Livy in her pursuit of Mr. Spots.
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What is “Traditional Ammo” and Why Do Antis Want to Ban It?
May 31, 2013, 1:01 AM EDT
The real “game” here is that these rabid anti-hunting groups recognizeoutlawing traditional ammunition would be a major step toward stopping most hunting.
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Participating in the Armed Forces Entertainment/Paralyzed Veteran’s of America Outdoor Legends Tour last provided me with a new perspective and a deeper appreciation of the men and women who serve this country.
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What is the most important thing you do to obtain a perfectly steady position when shooting a rifle?
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There’s a lot more to creating a viable, working food plot than just scratching in the dirt, throwing down some seed, and showing up on opening day of deer season.
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We hunters too often take on an “out of sight, out of mind attitude” about outfitters. In reality, the good ones are working hard year-round …
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Having the ability to envision the vital organs can mean the difference between success and failure on a hunt. Huntress Livy explores options on how one might improve this skill.
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Firearm Safety and Conservation Are Topics of Free Video-for-Schools Campaign from NSSF
May 17, 2013, 1:01 AM EDT
The firearm safety videos teach students how to react if they should encounter a firearm in an unsupervised situation. The conservation titles educate students on how wildlife and wild lands are protected
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So many times I’ve tried to go in and read just one or two old favorite stories, but ended up in the potato chip dilemma – you can not read just one.
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With an upcoming leopard hunt, Huntress Livy prepares one of the most important tools a hunter can have -her daypack! Should she add anything?
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Quebec Leaf River Herd Stable, But Limit to One in 2014-15
May 10, 2013, 1:01 AM EDT
The bright spot in this picture has been and continues to be Quebec’s Leaf River herd. This population continues to remain stable.
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Hank’s food doesn’t just fill you up — it makes you happy and makes your life richer. He shares recipes and cooking techniques on his blog every week that are simply the best stuff out there.
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Photo Courtesy of Tony Bynum
www.tonybynum.com
Finally, the US Fish & Wildlife have announced their intentions to end the protection of wolves in the Lower 48!
