Fly fishing for trout requires intense concentration, especially when there are flies on the water and fish rising freely. Under those circumstances, anglers have a tendency to be oblivious of their … more

Of all the animals that inhabit the wild, it seems the most misunderstood and feared creatures are snakes. We were not born with the fear of snakes; it has been instilled by passed-down … more

When I was a fisheries biologist, actually conducting  stream surveys, it was not uncommon for members of the local sportsmen’s clubs to question some of our management policies and regulations. One of the questions I was confronted with the most had to do with the numbers and sizes of trout, or the lack thereof, in the streams we were managing.  more

Some years ago, my friend Roger and I found a good hatch of mayflies on one of our favorite rivers. It was Hendrickson time in the Catskills, with a good number of duns that were beginning to hatch, and right around 2 p.m. We had good sport that afternoon, deciding to call it a day right around dinner time. As we were getting ready to leave, I happened to look up at the late afternoon sky, just as the sun was sinking behind the mountains to the west. The angle was just right, and the fading light cast its last rays on thousands of glinting wings, as the Hendrickson and red quill spinners began their mating dance.  more

When I begin tying flies, the folks who mentored me followed the Catskill School. By that, I mean that they subscribed to the techniques used by the Darbees and Dettes, by Rube Cross and Art Flick, … more

On both sides of the river in our region, there are timber rattlesnakes that occupy suitable habitats. They are not common; for that reason, they are protected to some degree, depending on the state. The state of New York lists them as threatened. The state of PA de-listed them several years back, but they are a species of special concern. more

The last Sunday in February was a mild, sunny day that started out calm. But as the afternoon wore on, a southwest breeze filled in and created little dust devils near the ground. It was a nice … more

I do. That was the contract that resulted in a thousand “do’s” since. Careful, young fellas: you want to be mighty sure of the lady to whom you give the power of the … more

To see the writing on the wall is to predict some potentially unpleasant outcome on the near horizon. But following a light snow that dusted my walkway recently,  I was treated to an artful … more

What for some might be wallet, keys, spectacles and watch, for a farmer is wallet, keys, watch and pocketknife.  Growing up, I lost a couple to the public school because everywhere but … more

A barred owl entered my life in late August when it was struck by a vehicle near my home. The raptor’s body was mostly intact, but its life force had passed. I retrieved its rain-soaked remains … more

Those of us who fly fish, and indeed most folks who fish, do not consider angling a dangerous sport. That’s especially true when comparing fishing to football, soccer or even auto racing. … more

SOMERSET, NJ — More than 100 fly tiers, demonstrators, instructors and celebrities will show their best fish-catching creations at the 32nd annual International Fly Tying Symposium on November … more

I had planned a field trip last week, mainly to look for reptiles and amphibians. It was already mid-morning when I reached the state forest land in southern Pike County and started my trek. It was … more

As the leaves fall in the final days of autumn, so too fall the giants that bore them.  Not everywhere, of course. But on the site of the future Hill family farm, the first signs of our … more

Five months, two days and 13 hours. That’s how long it had been since we planted our tomato plants—seeds in the basement under the nurturing climate control of heat mats, fans and … more

A large forsythia bush has brightened my life for decades, waving its willowy branches and blooms from the place where it was planted many years ago. I pass by this old friend every time I leave the … more

HURLEYVILLE, NY — The public is invited to join Morgan Outdoors for a First Day Hike on Monday, January 1 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Mongaup State Park.  All are invited to celebrate … more

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY – Sullivan County Public Health is advising the public to stay away from wild animals and be vigilant of your surroundings while camping, hiking or playing in area parks near … more

Another year has all but passed us by, and with it the close of another whitetail season.  There is of course late-season archery and flintlock still open, but by now, most hunters have … more