BayouOutdoors: A Time for Thanks

TAKING A TRIP TO A PLACE THAT RECOGNIZES A BYGONE ERA CAN PROMPT US TO THINK ABOUT THE THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTED AND REALLY BE GRATEFUL.

article by Dan Chason

As I sit here on vacation in the Great Smokey Mountains, it is not hard to get still and quiet and have a real sense of being thankful. Anyone who has ever traveled into the various sites across America, you not only get a sense of what it took to build this great country, but what it takes to continue to grow in the pursuit of prosperity. I had never been to this area before. I had been into the Ozarks in Arkansas many times but to see this beautiful place reminded me of what our Forefathers withstood and overcame to conquer a New World. I am not a good traveler. Even in a modern vehicle that pretty much drives itself, sitting in a car for 10 hours is not my idea of a good time. It is hard to fathom that our grandfathers made these treks in a horse and wagon with no GPS, cell phones or modern conveniences. Just think about some of the bare necessities needed as there were few or no roads, no maps, no medical care and no where to find food other than off of the land.

I visited the old homes and settlements in the Pigeon Forge area and was amazed at the marvels of ancient technology. Making corn meal, flour or even just preserving meat was a process. Our process today is so very easy compared to those days. I looked at the cemetery markers and saw just how many people never survived past 2 years, or how many young adults perished due to hardship and diseases. We are so blessed today to have what we enjoy, but so very few of us stop and really think about it in our fast paced world.

This trip made me think of the young Dan, pedaling his bicycle down a country road with a Zebco 33 strapped to the handlebars. I had a passion for fishing at an early age. It was what kept me out of major trouble but also gave me a path that I have followed for my entire 57 years. While Fishing for anything that swam, each day I was learning valuable lessons that I would use for most of my life.

The same went for hunting. Most of my “hunting” was with a BB gun early on. But there were valuable lessons learned in those early days as well. How to stalk, how to read animal behavior but most importantly the hard lessons I learned about eating what you harvest. I can still taste those nasty cedar wax wings my Dad made me clean, cook and eat.

But we hustle to work, we hustle to the deer camp, hustle in every walk of our lives and then wonder why we suffer health problems. I cannot tell you how therapeutic it is to just sit by a rolling mountain stream or water fall. No conversations, no phone, no disturbances. Just you and nature. I get the same feeling at home when daylight cracks. Sitting in my deer stand and watching the woods come alive. The whistling wood ducks, a lone doe walking out into my food plot and the occasional black bear stealing my corn.

All of these small things can be overlooked. All of these things are there to enjoy. I was amazed on this trip, and we took the typical tourist trip and went into the National Forest. There were vehicles from every state in the Union. There was a wad of cars pulled over and all of us in our group just knew there was an elk or bear to view. Not so. These folks were stopped and taking pictures of horses. I guess if you live in an asphalt jungle, a horse is a pretty big deal. Then there was a large group of walkers all piled up, as if Elvis was making an appearance. What they were amazed to be viewing was of all things, a hog trap. The same kind that we use on a daily basis at home. It kind of makes you realize and appreciate Louisiana. We see things every day that most people drive thousands of miles to view.

But the one thing I could not escape was the fact that I am truly blessed. I am blessed with a great wife, kids, grandkids, friends and extended family. I am blessed with good health, a great rewarding job and most of all a peace in my heart with my Creator. I searched for happiness in many ways, but as I get older, the little things make me very happy. Watching my wife “check” the water temperature of a mountain stream….listening to her sister as they discuss how they grew up and how today we have it so much better. And they are right.

I remember all of the things I have taken for granted in the past. It makes me make an even deeper commitment to be a better father, husband, brother and friend. The blessings I have received are not deserved. I am as excited now about this hunting season, as I was my very first time I walked into the woods. The difference now is that it is my time to share it. I look forward to time with my kids and grandkids in the deer stand and duck blind. But most of all, I look forward to what God has in store for me and my family this year. Join me in this season of thanks. And spread the wealth. Take a kid, vet or friend hunting. And share the blessings you have for generations to come.