Spring Has Sprung a Little Early

 

turkey1Spring is upon us and if there was ever a time to get your family involved in the outdoors this is it! With days growing considerably longer and campgrounds in full swing, it is not uncommon to see vehicles, one after another, headed out to cash in on the fresh spring air. Each year when all of this activity begins I have to ask, are you and your family getting out and enjoying this amazing time of year or are you left wondering what is everyone doing? Answering that question shouldn’t be challenging and hopefully somewhere along the way you will see just how much fun the outdoors can be for the entire family during the months of spring.

Fishing is by far one of the most family friendly activities the outdoors has to offer. Fishing is easy, inexpensive fun that can quickly create a lasting bond between parents and kids for many years to come. The rising water temps during this time of year forces many fish such as bream and crappie into shallow water to spawn. This annual transition makes it easy to find fish and keep a kid involved throughout the day.  Believe me when I tell you that there are very few things more exciting to a kid than seeing their cork get pulled under the surface of the water and fight fish after fish. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but being there to cheer a kid on as they literally experience the outdoors at their fingertips is one of the most rewarding feelings that anyone can find.

As an avid hunter I could never speak of spring without mentioning turkey hunting. The soul shattering gobbles of a Mississippi long beard sends chills down the spine of every hunter each time they hear it. There are few things better than having the silence of a spring morning interrupted by a thunderous gobble and for those who have experienced know all too well how magical that moment is. There is a special beauty to every aspect of turkey hunting that captivates a man and makes him long for more. Turkey hunting is also one of the most powerful ways to get a kid or spouse involved in the outdoors. Whether it is intentional or not, hunting turkeys will take you places that always seem to be the path less traveled. Walking over ridges and crossing creeks may seem crazy to hunt a bird, but it is all part of the adventure of hunting turkeys and it is adventures like these that keep new and experienced hunters coming back for more. Turkey hunting also allows you to teach a new hunter the importance of patience and hard work. It gives them a chance to see these lessons play out in real time and one day be able to relate it to their life. Now, having said that, I will be the first to admit that turkey hunting can definitely drive a grown man crazy, but at the same time it can solidify a new hunter’s interest in the outdoors for an entire lifetime.

We are blessed as Mississippians to live in a state that is literally overflowing with opportunities to enjoy some time in the outdoors with family and friends. Whether it be hunting, fishing, camping or kayaking the possibilities are truly endless.  When you prepare to head out for a weekend of fun in the outdoors this spring the most important thing I can say is make sure there is plenty of action. Make each moment an adventure and if the action slows find a way to keep the newcomers involved. Turn slow days hunting into a day of identifying animal tracks and trees. If the fish aren’t biting you can take that time to go for a hike around the pond or grab a kayak and paddle downstream. I also urge to never leave home without a camera. Capturing the moments you spend with your family in the outdoors is a great way to look back on the memories made during that special time. It can also be fun to let the kids have the camera for the day and see what the outdoors looks like from their perspective. Spring is the perfect time to explore the outdoors and it is up to us to take advantage of each opportunity we have to get out and spend time together.