Staying “hunkered down” and indoors during the month of February seems to be the reasonable way to spend this last truly cold month of winter. There’s plenty to keep busy indoors, including fishing and hunting tackle that requires attention and personal inventory for the coming spring seasons. Other indoor diversions include regional outdoor shows. 

     Don’t forget to invite the entire family to these outings as there are a wide range of interests which all can enjoy. Mike Roberts and his “Return to Nature” program is one such event.. Mike brings with him many examples of wildlife which can be found throughout Virginia, including live owls. His program imparts, to all who hear it, our responsibility to coexist in an ethical and caring manner with the wildlife around us. Information about the “Return to Nature” Program can be obtained by calling 804-847-4671. Other presentations found at local outdoor shows in Virginia and Maryland can include live birds of prey and our own national symbol, the bald eagle.

     Among the holiday gifts we enjoyed receiving are two books and video tapes. The Men All Singing, The Story of Menhaden Fishing by John Frye is an account of history that lives on today. Those working their trade and tradition in the Menhaden fishery are showcased in this fascinating story. 

     Our copy was purchased at the Reedville Fishermens’ Museum as was a copy of Chesapeake Bay Voices Narratives from Four Centuries collected and edited by Maurice Duke, which was also a great Christmas gift. Duke’s account of the Chesapeake Bay region takes the reader through 400 years of experience documented through the lives of those who experienced it. The Reedville Fishermen’s Museum can be contacted at 804-453-6529 and their mailing address is P.O. Box 306, Reedville, VA 22539. 

     In addition to their gift shop which includes books and other items for sale, their historical exhibits are a wonderful experience for the whole family. Turkeys 2000 with Tes and Ron Jolly is an exciting 75 minutes of video footage which shows how elusive and challenging wild turkeys can be. 

     Along with some insight as to the nature and habits of the Eastern Subspecies of the American Wild Turkey, this tape includes tactical information which Spring gobbler hunters can use in the upcoming Virginia and Maryland seasons. Turkeys 2000 includes the all important emphasis that turkey hunting can offer an exciting opportunity to men, women and children of all ages, background and levels of physical challenge. For information on how to obtain a copy of Turkeys 2000, call 877-486-8568. 

      Another holiday video gift we are enjoying is, Mike Biggs’ Amazing Whitetails Video. This tape shows over 200 bucks in a diverse variety of habitat and circumstances which gives both wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike insight as to what this highly prized game animal is all about. For information on how to order the Amazing Whitetail Video, call 800-433-2102. 

      On those more temperature-friendly days that may surprise you this month, don’t miss what the outdoors has to offer. While those extraordinary fall colors may be gone, the trees, forests and cutover edges have a different lesson to share. Walking the same trail or back roads this month will show you an entire new, wider view of things which were previously hidden behind the scenes. What you never knew was behind limbs and leaves can open up a new world to see. 

      February in the outdoors is a time to test your knowledge and find out something new about an outdoors world without trees and foliage. When leaves and foliage are not there to lend clues as to what tree types are, discovering the bark or shape of them is a new learning experience. Among my favorite guides to trees is published by Virginia’s Department of Forestry (DOF) entitled, Forest Trees of Virginia. Illustrations and easy to understand descriptions make this the book to have, both at home and in your back pocket while walking the woods. For information on how to obtain this booklet, contact your local DOF office or write, the Virginia Department of Forestry at Box 3758, Charlottesville, VA. 22903. 

© 2001 Michele and Steve Scala All rights reserved.