by Greg Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry, Ohio Woodland Journal, Winter 2013

When Chip Gross was a young lad, he took pad and pencil into the woods and sat down. He observed the life around him—the sounds, the shapes, the colors—the living, breathing creation that engaged his senses. And what came to him were volumes.

These keen observations of the natural world eventually led Gross to a degree in wildlife management from Ohio State University and a rewarding career as an outdoors writer and photographer—obser- vations he has shared with readers across Ohio and well beyond for many years.

Chances are good you have seen his work, either stories, photos, or both. During the latter part of a 27-year career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Chip served as editor of Wild Ohio and Wild Ohio for Kids, wildlife magazines produced by that state agency. Under Gross’s leadership, those two publications were awarded the prestigious James P. Barry Ohioana Award for Editorial Excellence in 2001.

A year later, Chip took an early retirement option and launched his career as a full-time writer and photographer specializing in outdoor subjects. Far from being a leap of faith, however, he was already well-established as a freelance writer and photographer with bylines and photo credits in many outdoor publications.

Today, Chip’s writing and photos can be seen and enjoyed in such venues as Country Living magazine, where he is the Outdoors Editor. Published by the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, the magazine reaches nearly 300,000 households every month. He writes for other outdoors- oriented magazines, as well, both regional and national. And adapting with the times, recently Chip has been focusing his attention on online publications, such as FieldandStream.com and OutdoorChannel.com

His work has been recognized and awarded both locally and nationally, by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio (OWO) and the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). He has also served as an officer in both of those professional organizations, as president of OWO in 1991 and a member of the Board of Directors of OWAA from 2004-2007.

Chip’s prolific writing and photography reflect his love of wildlife, people, and the out-of-doors. His varied writing topics include fishing, hunting, birding, camping, hiking, canoeing/kayaking,outdoor photography, nature travel, and humor, to name just a few. His extensive catalogue of outdoor photographs— more than 30,000 color images—includes landscapes, wildlife, freshwater fishing, small-game hunting, wildlife watching, and people enjoying the outdoors.

So how did Gross first develop an interest in the outdoors? “Growing up in north-central Ohio, my father taught me to hunt and my grandfather taught me to fish,” Chip remembers. “I couldn’t seem to get enough of the natural world as a kid, and those two activi- ties—hunting and fishing—just naturally led me to other outdoor pursuits such as birding, hiking, camping, and outdoor photography.”

Gross also remembers the very first piece of writing he ever sold. “It was a very short hunting tip to Sports Afield magazine’s Almanac Sectionin 1981,”he said. “In three brief paragraphs, titled Mudproofing Anchors, I explained how to keep mud off duck decoy anchors. Not exactly Pulitzer Prize- winning literature,” Gross laughed, “but the magazine paid me $35 for the item, and I couldn’t have been more excited. It was my start.”

What does a busy out- doors writer, photographer, and professional speaker do to unwind? Chip and wifeJan,aretiredregistered nurse, enjoy the solitude and inspiration of their 13- acre Tree Farm in Morrow County.

“We bought the woods and house 35 years ago as a place to raise our two sons,” Gross said. “Through the years, we have done timber stand improvement projects on the property, cut firewood, sold timber, and enjoyed the tax-break incentives from managing our trees. Fortunately, our two boys shared our ap- preciation of the outdoors while growing up here, and now enjoy bringing their young families back to visit.”

Now age 60, Gross has spent a lifetime out of doors, then sharing those experiences of the natural world through his writing and photography. Anyone in Ohio who has picked up an outdoors magazine has likely enjoyed not only his informative writing style and sensational photos, but has come away with a better understanding and appreciation of all things wild.

“God’s creation is always spectacular and ever- changing,” quipped Gross. “I can’t thank Him enough for allowing me to experience all I have, and then giv- ing me the ability to communicate those adventures to others. There truly is magic in the out-of-doors.”

In addition to being a writer/photographer, W. H. “Chip” Gross is also available as a professional speaker for groups looking for a wildlife and outdoors-oriented slideshow program. For more information, he can be reached by email at whchipgross@gmail.com; his web site www.chipgross.com.

How far can you cast a fishing line? How about 200 feet or more with fly tackle? Or maybe 100 yards or farther with spinning tackle? These were some of the distances achieved during the 104th American Casting Association 2012 National Casting Championships.

The event, held in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area from July 31 to Aug. 4, doesn’t get a ton of attention and casting competitions aren’t what they were in the early 20th century, but many advancements in tackle and techniques that anglers use every day in modern sport fishing have roots that can be traced back to innovative tournament casters.

More…

…Talk about getting your game face on. Would you want to compete against this young lady? Most teens shooters at the Matches compete on junior shooting teams. In 2009, a junior team beat the adult shooters, winning the National Team Infantry Trophy Match, known as the “Rattle Battle.” It was the first time the trophy had been won by civilians since 1930.

More…

“We can expect to see about 100 salmon in the stream today,” said Russ Maddin, fishing guide.

By the end of our half-day float seven miles down Michigan’s Betsie River, we’d easily seen 10-times that number of salmon, 1,000 or more.

“I’ve only seen this happen a time or two during all my years of guiding,” Maddin said. “We were definitely in the right place at the right time today.”

A steady rain the night before had triggered chinook salmon, also known as “kings,” to leave Lake Michigan and begin their annual spawning run up the Betsie. The phenomenon happens every year in late-August and September in dozens of Lake Michigan tributary rivers and streams, big and small. Waves of fish make their way …. (Read more at Cabelas’ Outfitter Journal…)

More opportunities for taking a wild turkey are muffed by hunters during the last critical few moments before pulling the trigger than at any other time during a hunt. In most cases, a poor last-second decision is due to inexperience, a serious case of nerves, or both. That said, the following tips will help you avoid the mistakes many hunters make when a turkey is approaching those last few yards.

Don’t move, Don’t move, Don’t Move!

Very few wild animals have the keen eyesight of a wild turkey, and if you think you can quick-draw one, you can’t. Believe me, I’ve tried. Several times. I once had three jakes surprise me on opening morning of the Ohio turkey hunting season, walking up to within 10 feet of me at first light, my shotgun still in my lap.

“No problem,” I thought, my chest heaving with excitement. “Surely I can kill at least one of these three.” I gripped my shotgun tightly, then counted to three in my head. “One, two, three, go!”

Jerking the shotgun from my lap to my shoulder, all three jakes went from zero to 60 in less than a second — or so it seemed. Needless to say, I shot a large hole in the air behind the head of one of them, but never touched a feather. Live and learn.

To avoid such a scenario, have your shotgun up on your bended knee and pointed in the direction a gobbler is approaching before he comes into view. If you’re teaching a youngster or your spouse to turkey hunt, a camouflaged shooting stick may be helpful in supporting the gun.

Shooting too soon

Adult wild turkey gobblers across North America weigh an average of about 20 pounds and stand some three feet tall. If you’ve not turkey hunted much, such a large bird approaching through the woods can seem closer than he actually is, especially if he’s in strut.

Many gobblers are crippled and lost each year by hunters shooting too soon. Way too soon. The keys to avoiding such a mistake are knowing your shotgun’s effective range and how to accurately judge distance.

Most wild turkeys are killed at…

Read the full article at TheOutdoorChannel.com

A brush blind can be made quickly along a field’s edge. The older I get, the better turkey hunter I’ve become. I like to think it’s because, after decades of hunting, that I’ve finally grown wise in the ways of the wild turkey.

But I have this nagging suspicion it is none of that. Rather, I believe I’ve eventually learned how to slow down in the turkey woods — to let the birds come to me. And the ultimate slow-motion turkey hunt is from a blind.

Blind or “hide” hunting, as the British term it, has several advantages over a more run-and-gun style of turkey hunting. First of all, blinds are great ways to introduce kids or even first-time adult hunters to turkey hunting.

Most first-timers don’t realize how still a hunter needs to sit in the turkey woods and for what length of time. A blind makes this requirement much easier, as kids and newcomers can squirm all they want, at least until a bird comes into view. Secondly, a blind is a great way to get wheelchair-bound and other physically-handicapped hunters into the turkey woods…

Read the full article at TheOutdoorChannel.com

If you’re looking for a one-tank outdoors get-away, the sprawling Daniel Boone National Forest is an easy half-day’s drive from southwest Ohio. Located in eastern Kentucky, the Boone is the largest area of public land in the state (nearly 689,000 acres) and noted for its many natural stone arches. Especially beautiful in spring and fall is the Red River Gorge area—and less crowded during those times of year.

The Daniel Boone National Forest boasts many natural attractions. For example, it contains the largest trail system in Kentucky, including the 269-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. Sheltowee, or Big Turtle, was the name given to Daniel Boone when he was captured by Shawnee Indians. Taken north of the Ohio River, he was adopted into the tribe by chief Black Fish. But learning of the Indians’ plan to attack Boonesboro—the small settlement named for him—Daniel Boone soon escaped and returned to Kentucky to sound the alarm and help defend his fort.

Also contained within the Daniel Boone National Forest are: Kentucky’s only two wilderness areas (encompassing 18,000 acres), the largest number of caves of any national forest in the South, and the largest concentration of rock shelters in the East. The Boone is also habitat for more than 200 endangered, threatened, or sensitive species of plants and wildlife.

Not to be missed is the Red River Gorge Geological Area, a national natural landmark. Within the Gorge is Clifty Wilderness, a rugged, undeveloped 12,646 acres of rock arches, rock shelters, and towering cliffs. These formations encircle steep, forested slopes overlooking narrow stream valleys. The rugged terrain offers hikers physical challenges, as well as the reward of finding quiet solitude in a forest setting.

One of the more easily accessible and impressive natural rock bridges in the area is Sky Bridge Arch along Kentucky Highway 715. The top of this 75-foot arch offers a spectacular view of both the Red River Gorge and Clifty Wilderness Area, and can be reached via a short, paved walkway from the parking lot.

Joy Malone, a ranger with the USDA Forest Service explained how the many natural bridges were formed. “Geologically, the area is made up mostly of sandstone and limestone, relatively soft rocks. Wind and water erosion over time has carved these massive rock formations. For a more in-depth explanation, I’d encourage visitors to stop by our new, 5,000-square-foot Gladie Cultural-Environmental Leaning Center. We have displays that thoroughly detail the entire natural bridge formation process.”

The Center is open seven days per week (April through October) and is located along Kentucky Highway 715. Also featured at the same site is the Gladie Cabin, a reconstructed log house dating back to the late 19th Century. In addition, a small number of live bison is on display, reminiscent of the huge herds of these animals that once roamed all of Kentucky.

“Because of the terrain, rock climbing is also very popular in the Daniel Boone National Forest,” added ranger Malone, “so visitors may likely see some climbing activity while they’re here. It’s mainly of three types: traditional climbing, sport climbing, and “bouldering.” The first two types of climbing involve attaching metal bolts and other safety devices to the rock and clipping your rope into them as you climb. Bouldering is usually done at low levels and is mainly for practicing hand-holds, toe-holds, and other climbing techniques. The climbers usually don’t clip into a safety device to boulder; they just put a soft mat on the ground below them and go for it.”

For those looking to camp, a developed campground at Koomer Ridge is open mid-April through the fall foliage season. All 54 campsites accommodate tents, and 19 are also suitable for camper trailers. Some sites remain open year-round, but with reduced service (no water or electricity) during the off-season. For backpackers, camping is permitted in the Daniel Boone National Forest, but not within 300 feet of any road, within sight of any developed trail, or within any developed recreation area.

An interesting way of entering the Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge area from the west is through the 900-foot Nada Tunnel along Kentucky Highway 77. This one-lane tunnel, built of stone, was constructed by a logging company in the early 20th Century and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Forest’s Namesake, Daniel Boone

Most famous early-American frontiersmen were more myth or legend than truth, but Daniel Boone was the real deal. Born in Virginia, he first saw what the Shawnee Indians called kan-tuck-ee in the late 1700s. No one Native American tribe claimed that land south of the Ohio River as their own, but several considered it their hunting grounds. A sub-chief of the Shawnee—Captain Will—caught Boone and five others of his party hunting and trapping in those game-rich lands of Kentucky in 1778. In the ensuing skirmish, one of Boone’s men was killed and Boone and the other four frontiersmen were taken captive.

After being held for a week, Boone and his companions were released with this chilling warning from Captain Will. “Now, Brothers, go home and stay there… Consider us to be the stinging bugs who guard their nests. If you are so foolish as to come here again, you may be sure the wasps and yellow jackets will sting you severely.”

Boone did not heed the warning, however, returning to Kentucky repeatedly before finally settling there with his family. But it eventually cost him dearly in blood, as two of his sons were killed in future Indian battles.

Daniel Boone would go on to play a pivotal role in the settling of Kentucky, yet when the state became too tame for him he moved his family farther west to Missouri. There he grew old with his wife, Rebecca, who preceded him in death in 1813. Boone himself passed quietly from the pages of history in 1820, a genuine Kentucky frontiersman still revered today. No doubt, Daniel Boone would have been pleased to have a national forest named after him…

Few frontiersmen of the 18th Century were as skilled as the Indians at hunting, trapping, and tracking, but one white man impressed even the Native Americans, becoming a legend in the process. That man was Simon Kenton.

He was born in 1755 to tenant-farmer parents living in northern Virginia. Not much is known about Kenton’s early years, but at age 16 he was involved in a vicious fight with a rival over the hand of a young lady. Believing he had killed his opponent, Kenton lit out for the West and changed his name to Simon Butler. He eventually fell in with a group of hunters and trappers headed for the Ohio River valley, and so began his education in the ways of the wild.

Kenton was well equipped for wilderness life. Standing over six feet tall and weighing a solid 190 pounds, he was considered a large man for his time. He also possessed a natural quickness and keen sense of observation—gifts that would keep him alive in the woods in the years to come. He learned quickly on the frontier, and eventually became renowned as a hunter and scout in the land the Indians called ken-tuck-ee and later in the region to the north, known as the Ohio Country.

One of Kenton’s most famous hunting feats came during the bitter winter of 1776-1777 when Harrodsburg, Kentucky was under siege by Indians. “The Indians became very harsh on us,” Kenton said. So harsh, in fact, that he could only leave the fort at night, under cover of darkness, to hunt. Once in the woods and well away from the fort, Kenton survived the cold winter night by first digging a small hole in the ground and filling it with strips of tree bark. He then ignited the bark with flint and steel and sat cross-legged over the glowing hole, a blanket over him to help trap heat and hide the low fire.

The next morning Kenton begin hunting, butchering any deer that he killed on the spot. He then made a backpack of the deer hides and filled them with venison. This heavy load he carried back to Harrodsburg, slipping into the fort after darkness. Kenton repeated this selfless heroism many nights during that harsh winter long ago, saving the settlers within the fort from certain starvation.

But Kenton was not always adept at avoiding Indians. No doubt the greatest adventure of his life came in 1778-1779 when he was captured by Shawnees, tortured, and yet escaped.

The incident began when Kenton, on a spying mission into southern Ohio, was surrounded and accused of horse stealing. He was forced to run gauntlet after gauntlet at various Indian villages that he and his captors passed as they returned north. At one town he was even strapped bareback to a wild horse that was driven through briars, low tree branches, and underbrush. Once during his long period of captivity his upper arm was broken and left unset for days. Finally, this great enemy of the Shawnees was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Miraculously the sentence was delayed, first through the influence of frontier renegade Simon Girty and then by the Mingo chief, Logan—both of whom admired Kenton. Eventually, Kenton was ransomed by an emissary from British-held Detroit and spent the winter there. Escaping the next spring, he arrived back in Kentucky in July 1779. Only a short time later Kenton returned to the Ohio Country as a scout for a military expedition.

In addition to his fame as a hunter and Indian fighter, Kenton’s tracking skills are also legendary. One story is told of a wagoner that he rescued in the fall of 1790. The man was captured by Indians in northern Kentucky and taken north across the Ohio River. Kenton quickly organized a rescue party and hurried off in a pursuit that lasted several days. Coming to a point in the trail that forked in three directions, Kenton quietly studied the paths for a time and then, without explanation, chose the center fork. This he followed for several miles until the trail split yet again in two directions. Again Kenton studied the two paths in silence, choosing the right fork. Nearing the end of the day, Kenton and his men silently overtook the Indians and their captive. After exchanging a few rifle shots, the wagoner was recovered alive. When faced with five separate trails Kenton had chosen the correct one each time and saved a man’s life. Luck? Maybe…but then again it was Simon Kenton.

However, the frontiersman did not spend all of his time saving settlers and fighting Indians. He took advantage of his role in the forefront of settlement by claiming huge amounts of land for himself through so-called “tomahawk improvements.” These he made by chopping his initials or mark into large trees at the four corners of the land he wanted. Using this early system of land claim, it is believed that Kenton at one time owned nearly half a million acres in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. By 1790, he also owned and resided on a comfortable estate in northern Kentucky, living in a large brick house surrounded by his children, slaves, horses, and tenant farmers.

But like many frontiersmen, Kenton was not a good businessman. He was further hampered in his business dealings by the fact that he remained illiterate all his life. In 1799, he moved to Ohio, taking up residence on the banks of the Mad River north of Springfield, and through a continued series of bad business enterprises lost nearly all of his wealth. Simon Kenton and his family even spent time in debtors’ prison, being incarcerated in the Champaign County jail in Urbana. However, in 1804—one year following Ohio statehood—he was appointed brigadier general in the state militia, ever after to be called “General Kenton.”

The life story of Simon Kenton reads like a movie script—a life filled with adventure, danger, and narrow escapes, all of it played out on a wilderness stage. And to top it off, remember that young rival that Kenton thought he’d killed as a boy? Unbelievably, the lad had survived the beating. Kenton learned of it later in life and, no longer having to hide his past, changed his last name back again from Butler to Kenton.

A contemporary of Daniel Boone and the Indian leader Tecumseh, Simon Kenton may not be as well known today as those two giant figures of frontier history, but he was just as prominent during his time. He died in poverty at age 81 on his small farm near Zanesfield, Ohio in 1836.

Simon Kenton’s simple gravestone reads, “Full of Honors, Full of Years.”

Bucksaw may be a puppet, but he’s no dummy. His human partner is Dan Snyder of Marengo, Ohio. The two of them—known as Bucksaw & Dan—have teamed up to travel America, telling kids fun stories about wildlife, hunting, and the outdoors.

“I’m a hunter, and got the idea to create Bucksaw after having a portable treestand of mine stolen from the woods,” said Dan. “After I got over being mad, I thought about replacing that treestand. At the time I was the JAKES youth chairman for the Heart of Ohio “Strutters” chapter of the NWTF. The treestand incident got me thinking: How can I best tell young people about outdoor ethics and respect? So instead of buying another treestand, I spent $385 for Bucksaw. I had no idea how successful Bucksaw & Dan would eventually become,” said Dan.

Bucksaw is a wise, old woodsman who ran a sawmill in his younger days. That’s how he got his name. He also made maple syrup each spring, keeping him close to the land. But since Bucksaw can’t get around like he used to, he made a deal with Dan. They agreed that if Bucksaw taught Dan all he knows about nature and wildlife, Dan would take Bucksaw around the country to do what he likes best these days: talking to kids about the outdoors.

But just because Bucksaw is getting older, don’t think he’s old-fashioned. He likes NASCAR, rodeos, and country music! Let’s hear what Bucksaw has to say about himself.

“I was born in Swampsonburg, raised in Hyphadalia, and now live in a log cabin on Kee Kee Ridge,” he said. “I love the outdoors and always have. I just hate it that I can’t fend for myself these days like I used to and Dan has to tote me all around. Don’t get me wrong, I like Dan well enough. But let’s just say he ain’t the sharpest knife in the drawer,” Bucksaw chuckled. “But I ain’t here to talk about Dan. I know ya got questions, so go ahead and ask…”

JAKES: What’s your favorite wild animal?
Bucksaw: “That’s easy—the wild turkey! I love to watch ‘em and love to hunt ‘em. And so did the Indians, or Native Americans, like some people call ‘em today. Indians learned everything they could about wild turkeys and other wildlife ‘cause their lives depended on it. They learned where turkeys roost, where they feed, and where they nest. They were even the first to figure out how to make hen sounds to attract wild turkeys. Here’s a tip: if ya want to be a better turkey hunter, ya need to really study the wild turkey, just like the Indians. But ya also need to practice conservation.”

JAKES: Conservation…what’s that?
Bucksaw: “Conservation is really nothin’ more than takin’ special care of the land and wild critters that live there. Any good hunter or fisherman knows that wild animals need certain things to stay healthy. Just like us, they need good food, clean water, and a place to call home. If you conserve somethin’ it’s okay to use it, but just not too much. That’d be abuse. Here’s the main thing: if we don’t practice conservation, nature will suffer. And, eventually, we will too. Remember, we gotta live on this earth, just like the wild critters.”

JAKES: Can a hunter also be a conservationist?
Bucksaw: “You bet! Hunters and fishermen are some of the best conservationists. For example, some of the money we spend for licenses and guns and ammo goes for purchasin’ land that is set aside for wildlife. Some of the money is also spent for makin’ wildlife habitat better. So if you’re a hunter or fisherman, you’re already a conservationist and didn’t even know it!”

JAKES: What’s the best part of hunting and fishing?
Bucksaw: “Ya might find this hard to believe, but the best part is just bein’ with family and friends in the outdoors. I know, because I hunted a lot of years before Dan and I went on the road. And it’s not about how big a game animal you shoot or how many that’s important. The most important thing is huntin’ and fishin’ responsibly, accordin’ to the game laws. Heck, some of the best huntin’ and fishin’ trips I can remember didn’t produce a single critter or fish. But those memories are special to me because it was time spent with people I loved, my Pa and such…”

JAKES: What can I do to help wildlife and the outdoors?
Bucksaw: “Here’s somethin’ simple and easy that everyone can do, whether you’re young or old like me. The next time ya go to the woods, take a trash bag along and pick up any litter ya find. But don’t forget to put on a pair of gloves first before pickin’ up the trash! Then properly dispose of the litter when ya get home. Doin’ that will help keep the woods clean and wildlife safe. It’s easy, but not enough people do it, young or old.”

Bucksaw & Dan do three different programs, each one from 45 minutes to an hour long. Take Us to the Woods is a turkey scouting adventure and Take Us to the River is a trip to a duck blind. In their third program, This Land We Call Home, Bucksaw & Dan talk about the history of wildlife in America. The programs are not only entertaining, but fun. Professional lighting and sound effects turn the stage into everything from a sunrise in the woods to an afternoon thunderstorm.

Dan Snyder’s success with Bucksaw has happened partly because he loves kids. He has performed for thousands of young people, but the one program he remembers most was working with handicapped children in Detroit. “I was nervous about that day, because I’d never worked with those kinds of kids before,” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. But as it turned out, it was one of the best days of my career. Those kids had tears in their eyes as they waved good-bye to Bucksaw at the end of the day. And I had tears in mine as Bucksaw waved good-bye to them.”

Dan has also developed two comic strip cartoon characters to help him promote Bucksaw. Scratch and Peck are turkey gobblers that announce Bucksaw & Dan’s upcoming programs. They also crack jokes about some hunters, but never joke about Bucksaw. He’s the one hunter in the woods turkeys fear most…

If you have a question for Bucksaw, you may write to him c/o Dan Snyder, P. O. Box 256, Marengo, OH 43334-0256.