I’m guessing that it’s a sign that I’m getting older, but I sometimes find myself thinking about some of the great experiences I’ve enjoyed over the years simply because of my interest in the outdoors. My friends and I will also sometimes talk about the enjoyment and great experiences we’ve had while being in the great outdoors.

Certainly, hunting and fishing are a big part of those outdoor experiences, but simply being out on a hike in the backwoods looking for whatever wildlife we can find is a good thing, too.

Identifying the variety of birds visiting our backyards can also add to our enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors.

In other words, it’s not just about hunting and fishing but taking in all that the outdoors has to offer, and who knows where those outdoor experiences can lead.

I’ve often talked with people who, because of their love of the outdoors, ended up making a living somewhere in the outdoor field. Many of those involved in the various game and fish agencies around the country would be quick to tell you that they are in that profession because of their love of the outdoors, which often goes back to their childhood.

I know of some young folks who, because of their love and interest in wildlife in their childhood days, have gone on to college to major in some type of wildlife studies and are now involved in wildlife research or some other important conservation effort.

Indeed, we will not all end up making a living because of our outdoor interests, but there are a lot of other benefits to being involved in the outdoors.

I don’t have to tell the hunters and fishermen out there that our hunting and fishing has provided some of the best meals ever.

Panfish filets dipped in eggs, and cracker meal and fried to a golden brown is very rewarding after an afternoon on the lake.

Snacking on that venison bologna that we made after last year’s deer season is also a pleasing reminder of a successful deer hunt.

In addition to the great eating benefits, the outdoor experience also offers a chance to help keep somewhat physically fit; hiking the woods or wading a cold trout stream provides some great exercise.

I know that the cold water circulating around my ankles and knees while trout fishing seems to soothe the pain and soreness, and it’s one of the reasons I give my wife for wanting to go fishing so often.

Introducing young people to the great outdoors is certainly a positive thing, and it may help get them away from that device, which they are always clicking like crazy.

You also never know when getting a youngster involved in some outdoor experiences may lead to a career somewhere in the outdoor field. I can attest to that.

I remember well my early experiences hunting squirrels with my .22 rifle and sitting on the bank of a creek with a cheap little fishing rod catching whatever I could. My love for the outdoor scene grew over the years, and I decided to pursue a career in the painting field.

Fortunately, God blessed me with some artistic ability and little did I know then that it would lead to a career lasting over forty years. Over those years, I’ve produced numerous wildlife paintings, prints, magazine covers, and catalog covers, and I even got into the outdoor writing field. I guess that last one is obvious.

Speaking of my artwork, I would like to let my readers know that my wife and I will be having our annual open house on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I’m located at 4186 Muncy Exchange Rd. in Muncy. You’re welcome to stop by and say hello.

In the meantime, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.