Jeff Short, a wildlife biologist and survey coordinator with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, heads the Southwest Wyoming Radio Collaring Project to study the seasonal habitats, movement and fawn survival of Mule Deer. Since the last Mule Deer study in the mid-80s, southwest Wyoming has suffered a decline in deer, much like other areas of the western United States. The information collected from this project will help determine necessary habitat treatments, set hunting seasons and overall deer herd management. Through family hunting traditions, Jeff’s love of the outdoors and deep respect for the land’s resources guides the work he does today.
Tyler Sharp is a writer, photographer and filmmaker based in Austin, TX. He’s currently working to preserve the Chisholm Trail and pass Bill HR2849 which would designate the trail as a National Historic Trail. You can learn more about Tyler and the Chisholm Trail Project at www.tylersharp.com Continue Reading »
Tyler Sharp is a writer, photographer and filmmaker based in Austin, TX. He’s currently working to preserve the Chisholm Trail and pass Bill HR2849 which would designate the trail as a National Historic Trail. You can learn more about Tyler and the Chisholm Trail Project at www.tylersharp.com
In 1981, my father and his three best friends traveled to the Paradise Valley area of Montana for business. After their work was done, they spent four days fishing in the Yellowstone River, and were hooked, literally, for life. Despite their busy careers, family lives, and commitments, they all managed to come back every year for the last 30.
Growing up, I remember seeing photos of their annual trips, and being told stories of their adventures and mishaps in the Big Sky Country of Montana; the grandeur of the scenery, the pristine conditions, and the occasional wayward wildlife that came too close for comfort. And though I had been fly fishing before, I had never been on THE fishing trip with them.
After so many years, they all decided it was time to pass on the tradition to the next generation, so my brother and I were invited on the trip this time. But our joining the group had more significance than just passing a tradition on; we were to help them do something they had wanted to do for several years, something of emotional and symbolic significance.
Four years ago, their friend, trip leader, and fishing mentor passed away. To honor his memory, they all vowed to never miss a year of the trip, do what they could to keep the tradition alive, and hold the same reverence for the Paradise Valley that he did. They had talked of doing a ceremony of some kind several times, and approached me to help them carry it out.
I had them all select their favorite photographs of him from their previous fishing trips, and think of their favorite stories and memories to share. Over the course of the trip, I had them share these stories on video, and say anything they didn’t get to say before, knowing the end result would be something they could watch, and remember forever. At the end of the trip, I was to have them burn the photographs, and release the ashes in the Yellowstone River, where their friend truly belonged.
It was such an honor to be able to come on this trip, and even more so to help my dad and his friends find a meaningful outlet for the love and respect they had for this man. And though we have all lost someone dear to us, we have not all taken the time to do something like this.
And so the following videos, in three parts, document something that we should all consider doing, whether they’re living or deceased; to honor a friend.
Bob Taylor, with the help of his wife Maggie and their daughter, Marisa, raise organic, grass fed, Black Angus beef cattle on Lonetree Ranch in Lonetree, Wyoming. An accomplished veterinarian (and one time host and focus of Animal Planet’s Emergency Vet), Bob spends about 365 days a year applying a blend of art and science to the task of managing their land and animals in a way that considers the preservation of natural resources and protects natural ecosystems. “Because we believe it is the right thing to do, and because it is the best business practice for a sustainable future. “
We have been following the production and making of the inspirational fly fishing documentary “Low & Clear” by Finback Films and recommend it to all of you. You will be hooked after the first minutes of the trailer, as they take you on the journey of two longtime friends, who after years apart, come back to the river – and their fishing line – to reconnect and learn.
Being avid fisherman and outdoor lovers, this particular film reconnects us with the emotions and learning we experience when we are on the river.
Filson Part 1. Off The Wall TV Collaboratory Series by Vans. Founded in Seattle in 1897, Filson outfitted the gold rush and logger crew with their fine products. Watch and learn what makes this 113-year-old monument to the Northwest an amazing piece of Americana worthy of a Vans collaboration. October 2010
