Hello, West Branch Valley and beyond! As I drove to the office early Friday morning, I was looking for a little inspiration to lead me to my column. I just felt like we all needed a little change of direction equivalent to one of Saquon Barkley’s amazing cuts on a Sunday afternoon.
As I looked to the sky, there it was, a beautiful crescent moon with Venus growing brightly just to its right. The brightly illuminated, orangish moon even looked like a smile, and it took my thoughts to fall, to hunting season, and everything that makes autumn such an amazing season here in our area.
As you read through the Webb Weekly this week, you’ll find plenty of pumpkins, mums, and, as seen on our cover, our annual fall hunting and outdoor guide. This is one of my favorite special sections of the year, as it kicks off our annual Uncle Ron’s monster buck contest.
There is something to be found in the great outdoors for everyone this time of year. From hiking and biking to just enjoying the beautiful fall foliage. I hope the dry weather doesn’t affect the beautiful colors Mother Nature provides. I have already seen some bright red and orange leaves decorating the trees. I also hope the recent dry weather doesn’t take away the opportunity for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the water. I’ve never seen the Susquehanna and Loyalsock Creek as low as they are.
I’ve already seen a lot of people decorating for Halloween and the autumn season. This always makes me smile, and I’m a big believer in taking one season at a time. To get my mind off things, I’ve already decorated our office for Halloween, and there’s plenty of candy available for anyone who stops in. Consider it an early treat with no trick.
I encourage everyone to find something to take them to their happy place. To get out and about and turn off all electronic devices.
Next week, editor Steph will be featuring Fall Family Fun, full of ideas and places to go. I’ll give you one that starts on this Friday if you want to get a jump on things: Snyder’s annual corn maze. Details can be found on page 28.
Now, back to the great outdoors that we are blessed with in the beautiful area we call home. If you missed it on our cover, our annual Fall Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Guide begins on page 40. This always falls just prior to the beginning of the Pennsylvania deer season. I always look forward to this as it begins our Webb Weekly Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest. This will be the 18th year of the event. And wow, have I gotten to see a lot of amazing antlers over the years!
A quick overview of the contest: it’s named in remembrance of my Uncle Ron Maietta, who was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. I loved talking with him, sharing hunting and fishing stories, and much more.
It’s also named for long-time Webb Weekly family member Ron Mingle. Even though Ron retired a few years back, he still oversees the contest, which I greatly appreciate, as it is no easy job. One thing my uncle Ron and Ron Mingle have in common is battling multiple sclerosis. My Uncle Ron fought through it for many years and always seemed to find a way to still get out and enjoy his passion. Ron Mingle has dealt with the disease within his family, as his wife Steph has battled it for several years and is doing well. The Mingle family has done a great job bringing awareness to MS to support their beloved family member.
I am proud that a donation is made on behalf of every hunter who takes the time to enter the contest, helping to fight the battle against MS.
If you are lucky enough to harvest an early-season buck, it can be registered at Poust Taxidermy outside of Jersey Shore and Sauers Trading in South Williamsport. Remember, a trophy is in the hands of a holder, and any buck is eligible to be registered, which gets you entered into our random rifle drawing courtesy of Sauers Trading. Thank you to the father/son duo of Jon and Don for taking care of this each year. Another thanks goes to Dana Poust, who has been with us since the contest began and is our official scorer. Along with sidekick Sam, the Taxidermy lady, they do amazing work and provide the top prize to the winner.
The good folks at Stoltzfus Butcher Shop provide our second through fourth place prizes, a $100 gift certificate for venison processing. They do a very tasty job of turning your harvest into great finished products. I will have much more on Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest as the season gets rolling. More details can be found on page 41.
Let’s all be extra careful out there, and good luck!
God Bless America.
