North America’s Apex Predator

     North America has many predators, but which one is its top predator? Could it be the great white shark? The invasive species the python? How about the python’s only predator the alligator? Could it be maybe the wolf or the grizzly bear? Maybe even the pesky mosquito?

     
     Many of these animals are the apex predators in their habitat, but which is the king of North American predators? With over 700,000 human deaths world-wide to its credit, one might think it’s the mosquito, but this pesky little reaper isn’t considered a predator. All these predators    mentioned above are capable killers and have even killed humans from time to time, but there is only one king. This massive beast has been turned into a political pawn by the environmental groups. These people have depicted this apex predator as a defenseless creature adrift on the ice. It has been said that their food supply is in such short supply that they eat their own offspring and that in a few short years their habitat will disappear.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Polar Bear

     The first thing we notice about this bear is color of its fur. The polar bear is white, right? Yes and no. the color is more of an optical illusion. The fur of the polar bear is two layers of thick hollow translucent hair that reflect its surroundings, with its black skin this bear is right at home in the artic north. The next thing we might take note of is its size. The polar bear is the largest bear in the world. The males can grow to nine and a half feet and stand over five feet at its shoulder. These massive predators can weigh up to sixteen hundred pounds with the largest ever recorded weighed in at 2,210 pounds and stood at eleven feet.


     These bears are forceful swimmers. They can cover up to sixty miles at a time without stopping and can reach speeds of six MPH, they can also dive down to fifteen feet for two minutes. The next time you see one of these majestic bears on an ice flow adrift on the Bering Sea, don’t feel sorry for him he is right at home.


    

Why is the polar bear he apex predator of North America? Its sheer size and strength are a major factor. Another reason is their hunting ability. These ice bears have an amazing sense of smell, they can smell prey from ten miles away. They also stalk their prey on ice flows and even while they swim. If A polar bear spots a seal laying on the ice, he will swim up to the backside of the ice and in one quick motion jump from the water and charge the seal. Though only 2% of the hunts are successful. They will also stalk a seal swimming under the ice and wait for it to come up for air and pounce. Polar bears have no fear of man and have been known to take sled dogs and even stalk the musher. Polar bears are opportunistic feeders, if one comes across a recent kill or a washed-up whale carcass, that will do nicely.

     Polar bears are fierce. They fight over females, hunting grounds and to protect their food. A polar bear fight is an awesome sight, the two bears will rise up on their hind legs, swat and claw each other with their twelve-inch paws, they push, bite and wrestle each other until one runs away bloody, with deep scratches, bites and maybe a missing tooth or two. There is another side to these massive predators. Polar Bears also have a playful side, at certain times of the year big males, that are usually solitary will find a friend to travel and spar with until mating season then all partnerships are dissolved
.

     Like many other animals’, (the lion, baboon and even the red squirrel), males will kill the offspring of other males. This protects his blood line and saves food for his young. This is also done so that the female will go into heat and be ready to mate. More times than not, this will begin with a fight with the female protecting her cub.


     As you can see these helpless political pawns are not so helpless. Some predict that the polar bear population will plummet by 50% by 2050, but since the 1960’s when there were 12,000 bears to the last count of 2019 of well over 28,000 bears, it seems like the apex predator of North America are thriving

Troubled Times

Coronavirus, covid-19 or whatever you may call it, it’s here and so are troubled times. So, what should we do? Unfortunately, what a lot of people are doing is panicking, hoarding household necessities and medical supplies. This is where, as Americans we have failed. Buying up everything 
in sight and leaving nothing for anyone else. Why did we do this?

1.      Who’s at risk?

2.      What should we do?

3.      What freedoms are we willing to give up?

4.      What help should we expect?

We are all at risk from this virus. From the very young to the very old, but the people who are in the greatest danger from this virus are those over 60 years of age, with heart disease or respiratory issues. People with a compromised Immune system and people who smoke or vape just to name a few. What about “essential personal” they may be at a greater risk than those who are able to shelter in place. They do this to make sure that our lives stay as normal as possible, but who are the “essential personal?”


In these troubled times some of the “essential personal” are easily identified. The medical professionals, the first responders, the police, fire and the paramedics, but who else is essential to keep our lives as normal as possible? Let’s start with the farmers who grow our food and the truckers who deliver our food, medicine, fruits, vegetables, clothes, gas and almost everything we use every day. Yes, they are essential. Who else? How about the retail workers? You know the one that the guy in front of you cussed out because she told him, store policy was one package of toilet paper not five.


Are the restaurant workers important? You might think, well we can’t go sit and eat, so why are these jobs important? You can and should, (if you can afford it) buy one meal a week, curbside from your favorite local restaurant. This will help keep them in business. But are they essential? Some of these restaurant owners, feed their laid off employees at least one time a day, so they know that their employees are able to have one good meal a day. Others are feeding the emergency room workers at no cost. I think that you say could that they are essential. How about the blue-collar workers? The repair man, the plumber and the pest control guy, are these jobs essential? If your refrigerator goes out, or your toilet backs up, you might need the first two, but pest control? What do they do that’s essential? How about protecting the food supply of the nation from vermin? Protecting your home and health from household pests such as; German roaches, bed bugs, rats and other disease caring invaders. I’d say that the blue-collar worker is an essential worker.


What can we do to let these “essential personal” know that we appreciate them and all that they do for us in these troubled times? We can be kind. These people are out there at a risk to their own health to make our lives easier. Smile and say hello. Kindness goes a long way especially in times like these. Encourage the retailers, first responders and service people you see. Offer them a bottle of water, a kind word and pay your bill at time of service.


One thing the people and the government seem to forget, if you are bringing home a paycheck and provide for your family, then you are “essential personal!”

Remember we are all in this together. Many people are scared. Many are losing their jobs, through no fault of their own and money is tight. People are getting sick or have family that are elderly. Stress levels are sky high; everyone is on edge. This is the perfect storm for people to panic. What should we do? First turn off the news. Stay informed, we all need to know what’s going on, but not 24/7.


Take personal responsibility. Stay home when you can. Listen to the CDC. Wash your hands, practice social distancing and the other things that we are asked to do. The more we do this, the faster our lives can return to normal. If you know of an elderly person go shopping for them, it will ease their mind. If you have an over abundance of a household necessity, then make sure that your neighbor has enough to get by.


Keep moving. The doctors tell us that exercise increases our endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine which are all mood enhancing chemicals in the body. Take a walk or a run around the block. If you are quarantined, then there are many exercise videos on-line to help you keep moving. 

Try to eat healthier than when you are rushed to get to work. The top ten foods for mood enhancement may surprise you.

1.      All kinds of nuts

2.      Fish (you can catch your own)

3.      Whole grains

4.      Fruit

5.      Vegetables

6.      Fermented foods (Sauerkraut, kombucha, some yogurts)

7.      Beans and peas

8.      Hot cocoa

9.      Grain fed beef

10.  Coffee (Yes even coffee is a good mood enhancer)  

Keep in contact with your loved ones. Call, text and facetime your kids, grandchildren, siblings, parents and friends. It is important in times like this to feel that human connection that we might be missing on a daily basis.


Keep your mind sharp as well. Read, work a crossword, write in a journal, work with your hands. Do anything to keep yourself busy. Even if it’s cleaning out the garage or doing yard work. Keep busy.


The United States Congress just passed and President Trump will sign a two trillion-dollar relief bill, which will help out the American people and businesses. They are also working on free testing and no cost treatment plans for people infected with covid-19. Hopefully this will help relieve the fear and financial uncertainty that the American people are feeling. If your family is experiencing a financial hardship because of the pandemic, if you can’t make some of your bills, don’t just not pay them. There is help out there. The first thing you must do is call your creditor. Most creditors have adapted a plan for the financial fallout with the shut-down of so many businesses. Most will defer a payment for a few months and are willing to work with you. These businesses understand that you are their customers, but you must call them. If you simply don’t pay your bill, then it will be marked as a non-payment and will even affect your credit. MAKE THAT CALL!


With all the things the government is giving us to help, what freedoms are they taking away? The First Amendment guarantees us the freedom of religion. To worship how and when we please, but some want to stifle some of our beliefs. We also have the freedom of speech and the press. As a writer this is very important to me. As Americans we can say or write what we like as long as it doesn’t cause fear and panic (yelling fire in a movie). But some in the government and the media want to silence us, because we believe differently than they do. Some even try to suppress the Presidents speech. Freedom of assembly. Some states, New York, New Jersey and California to name a few have a shelter in place act. I understand this is for the greater good, but for how long? A week, a month or until the government tells you it’s okay to go outside? That’s not the freedom so many have fought for. If we are sequestered in our home how can we petition the government over our grievances?


The Second Amendment reads “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Yet the same three states above and some others are closing gun shops and some are releasing people from prisons. Doesn’t our personal protection fall under the Second Amendment? I’ve seen a man punch a woman over toilet paper on the news, what will happen if our food supply gets low?


What about the Fourth Amendment? “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” As a nation we have to be very careful of what the government might take away in the name of help. Rahm Emanuel’s famous quote: “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. And what I mean by that is an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before.”   Unfortunately, this is how some of our elected leaders feel. And Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a crisis!


Instead of worrying why don’t we turn back to God? No matter what faith you may be, a person’s beliefs are an essential part of who they are. Most church services have been canceled, but many have an online services, or you can find a service on Youtube, Facebook or T.V. service to fit your needs. Find strength and comfort in God’s word and pray. My wife and I pray together every night. You can find peace in talking to God.


I think that in this crisis, we, as a nation are learning who and what is really important. We are finding out that the entertainers, the athletes and the talking heads are not as important as the farmers, the truckers or the average American blue-collar worker.


In troubled times like this, it may be better to rely on God, family and yourself than on the government. We are all in this together, if we can show personal responsibility and respect for our brothers and sisters, this pandemic may not be as bad as we are told.


We need to go back to being one nation. Back before there were hyphenated Americans. It didn’t matter where you were from, what you believed, what color your skin was, we were all Americans. 

Let’s be kind to each other, lend a helping hand and get through this pandemic as one people. As Americans.  


Stay safe. Stay healthy. God bless.

Hunter Safety; not Just for the Young

            With the recent tragedy in South Carolina, where a nine-year-old girl and her dad were killed by some hunters driving deer, hunter safety is on my mind. If you were brought up hunting like I was then your dad or mentor should have taught you basic hunter safety. This tragedy shouldn’t have happened! How does someone mistake a man and a nine-year-old girl for a deer?

     
     My dad drove home the importance of hunter safety when I was about five. We were pheasant hunting in Connecticut, it was 1969 or 1970, we came across some black trash bags in the field. I asked my dad if I could shoot the trash. He said, “Let’s see what’s in those bags.” It was a good thing my dad was a mindful hunter, because wrapped up in those trash bags were sleeping bags with teenagers sleeping in them. If I had shot, I could have badly injured or killed someone. Throughout the rest of the hunt, my dad explained to me the importance of knowing what you are shooting at.


     Hunting is part of our heritage. Is there anything quite like watching a bird dog work, the sight of

a nice 8-point buck coming into range or the pure stillness of the forest as the sun breaks over the horizon? We as outdoorsmen need to make sure that we are the best stewards of our sport as possible. We need to show the anti-hunters, and the animal rights people that we are following the laws and acting responsibly.

     
Every state and many hunting organizations offer hunter safety courses. In over 35 states it’s the law that if you were born after June 1, 1975, you must pass a course and carry a hunter safety card with you when you hunt just like your license. Most courses are on-line and you will have to attend a field day to complete your certification. These field days consist of;

·         A classroom session

·         Outdoor shooting

·         Blood tacking

·         Tree stand skills

·         Survival skills

     The NRA’s Hunter safety course is free. In Florida the cost of the recognized hunter safety course is $28.95. The course includes videos, study guides and a host of other important information. Go to www.hunter-ed.com for hunter safety information in your state

     
     Sometimes safety in the field is just common sense. Never hunt under the influence! This may sound like a no brainer, but you might be surprised how many people think that drinking and hunting is okay, then again look at the number of drunk drivers every year. Always know what your target is. Know what or who is in your line of fire. Once you pull that trigger or let go of that arrow, you own it and the result. I’ve been peppered many times by bird shot, sometimes by the guys I was hunting with. Know your gun or bow inside out, know what to do if something goes wrong.

     
     The International Hunter Education Association’s records indicate that fewer than one thousand people are shot every year and about seventy-five end in death. Some of these fatalities are from self-inflected wounds. When people get excited, they get careless. Walking, trip and the gun fires. A hunter stops to rest and leans his gun against a tree and the gun falls. Think safety first.

     
     You have your license, a deer tag and a place to hunt, what’s next? You walk into the woods in the predawn hours and climb into your tree stand. Do you know how to properly set your stand? You think I read the directions and watched a video of course I do, but what happens when you are alone in your tree stand, it comes loose, and you hit the ground? Always know your equipment. Another important factor is how we as hunters dress. Camo is an important part of our sport, but it also makes it harder for other hunters to see. Most states have laws concerning how many inches of hunter orange you need to wear while you hunt. In Florida it’s 500 inches. Learn the laws concerning wearing blaze orange, blaze orange can save your or your dog’s life.

     
     Hunter safety isn’t just for kids, it’s for everyone who enters the woods, hunter or not. If hunters are safe, then the woods will be safer. I stopped hunting on the first day of the season many years ago, because more than once my truck or that of someone I know was shot at. Why on earth would someone shoot a shotgun at a truck on a back road?

     
     Remember, the sport of hunting is under attack from anti-hunting groups, homeowner associations, developers, the mainstream news, Washington and many other organizations. When hunting accidents happen its fodder for the antihunters. When you enter that field, swamp, woods or saltmarsh, remember someone nearby is just waiting to report a mistake or an accident to try to take our rights away. These people don’t understand that our license and tag fees pay for conservation, protection and habitat for the land and wildlife we love. Think safety first. Take you kids hunting with you, even before they are able to carry a gun. Introduce them to ethical hunting, the wonders of nature and the love of the outdoors.

Happy Hunting

Don’t Make Resolutions, Set Goals

     The new year is here and with that, millions of people will make a New Years resolution. Why? Most resolutions will fail because, they are either unrealistic or the people never plan. My wife and I never make resolutions, we set goals. In 2019 we achieved 85% of our goals. That’s not too shabby. We set small goals and some not so small. Including buying a house. By September we closed on our beautiful home.

     
     Forget resolutions, they have no teeth. Set goals. Something that you can reach for.


     If you want to get in shape, don’t just join a gym, go see your Doctor and make a plan, find a workout buddy, join a class, make yourself accountable to someone. Set a realistic goal for your results. Nothing happens overnight.

     
If you want to try something new, take a weekend and go try it. You may find out that you enjoy it. Even if it’s something you never thought you would like, but your sufficient other says, “Hey Honey lets try this.”


     One of my small goals for 2020 is to try my hand at skeet shooting. Now I haven’t shot skeet in decades, so I want to see if I still enjoy it as much as I once did.  What my wife doesn’t know, (Until she reads this) is that this goal will require the purchase of a new Remington 1100 12 gage, but that’s just an extra bonus.

     
     If you want to do the things that you enjoy more often, then set a goal to do so. Trust me I know how life gets in the way. We need downtime for our physical and emotional well-being. Without goals, our lives just stand still. We just exist, not live. So set those goals for 2020 and live your life to its fullest.

Happy New Year!