What an amazing night sky we all witnessed this past week. The scientific community explained it as a strong geometric storm. This capped a most turbulent week of weather here on the East Coast. I surmise it as the overwhelming beauty, power, and danger of Mother Nature on full display.

Hurricane Milton posed many problems for the State of Florida during this most active hurricane season. The fury and energy released by a hurricane are difficult to comprehend. It truly shows how fragile and uncertain life is in the mortal world. The saying that there are no atheists in foxholes might go right along with those who face a major hurricane and its aftermath.

The power of prayer and one’s personal faith are being leaned on heavily in today’s world. Too many of us on the outside looking in think of Milton as a positive because it didn’t hit Florida with all its might. However, if you were in one of the areas where there was loss of life, 13 at press time, or everything was leveled, you have a different perspective. This was even more traumatic with the devastation caused by Helene in North Carolina, especially the Asheville area, 223 lives lost in total. Generations of family members lost to this unimaginable circumstance. Communities literally wiped off the map.

The American people are, by nature, the most generous and giving people in the world. We always rally together to help each other. Please, if you can make a financial donation to help those affected, that’s great. If you can volunteer and give the gift of your time, that’s outstanding. All of us can use our power of prayer to support those in need at this most difficult time.

Back to where I began my article, I’m sure there are not many hunters in Penns Woods who thought they would get to see the Northern Lights as they headed out to their favorite archery spot. That’s just pretty darn cool, something you might think about if you’re hunting in Alaska or one of the western states. But not if you’re hunting the West Branch Valley.

Well, with the weather changing this past week and maybe even being affected by the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, we have our first entrant into our Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest. Landon Lloyd, 15, was hunting the Unityville/Jordan Township area with his Uncle Ed when he harvested his very first buck.

I’d like to give Landon a tip of my Webb Weekly hunting hat with the American flag on the side. I have one of those for you for your efforts. The eight-pointer pictured had a 15-inch spread. When it got well within his range at 30 yards, and he made a perfect shot with his compound bow. Thank you to Landon’s stepmother, Katie, for sharing the story and picture with me.

Remember, hunters, a trophy is in the hands of the holder, and any buck legally harvested can be entered into our 17th Annual Webb Weekly Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest. I also especially love hearing the stories and seeing the pictures; it enables me to go out hunting even when I just don’t have time. My contact information is always on page four. The bucks harvested can be entered into the contest at Sauers Trading in Southside and Poust Taxidermy outside of Jersey Shore. A donation is also made on behalf of every hunter who enters to help battle MS. Did I forget to mention the random rifle drawing, the free shoulder mount to the monster buck of all, and the great Stoltzfus venison processing gift cards for the 2nd-4thwinners? Full details this week can be found at webbweekly.com.

Well, let’s all get out, enjoy the great outdoors, and remember that safety comes first.

God Bless America.