The Eagle Outdoors

Some days, I just don't know where to go mentally or journalistically. It's not writer's block nor is it, to quote my Mother, "pure unadulterated laziness." It's just a matter of direction; of trying to guess, or second guess, what the readership may or may not want to peruse. It's like walking downstairs with good intentions of getting Subject X accomplished, arriving downstairs, and then having to ask the dog why you're there. Oh, yeah. It's progressed way beyond the traditional "Honey, have you seen my keys?"

I hope that explains the following snippets, per se, of outdoors-related information. A little of this, a little of that. Y'all have heard me say it before, but there's a lot going on in The Great Outdoors as we work our way well into November. Speaking of which, November already? Then onto Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and another year is in the books. Where does it go, and so quickly?.

Not only on the day, but always

Nov. 11 saw us paying tribute, as we do each year, to the nation's military men and women, past, present, and future. For me, and for many, it's a tremendous day; a way of saying thank you to all those who have voluntarily chosen to dedicate and sacrifice in the name of keeping our country and all who call it some safe in our homes. Safe in our beds.

It's important to remember that Veteran's Day isn't merely a 24-hour stint. A block on the calendar. For our military, it's an all-day/every-day proposition as, I believe, it should be for us civilians as well. How so? It takes just a minute to shake the hand of the man wearing the 'Vietnam Veteran' ball cap and thank him for his service. See that Vietnam campaign sticker in the back window of that F-150? Tip your hat to the driver at the next stoplight; better yet, shake his hand in the Walmart parking lot and say thanks. I won't belabor the point. We owe these folks our sincere gratitude each and every day of the year. They, I'm certain, would much rather be hunting, fishing, camping, or just about anything outdoors as opposed to...well...what they're doing.

Call-maker Buck Gardner passes

'Tis a sad day for duck hunters as we learn of the passing of Buck Gardner at the age of 76 on Nov. 8, 2025. I knew Buck well through my outdoor writing, and worked with him closely during our shared time with the Iowa-based Hunter's Specialties.

The owner of the aptly-named Buck Gardner Calls, Buck was more than just a duck caller. More than just a call-maker. More than just the winner of the prestigious World Champion Duck Calling Competition in 1994 in Stuttgart, Ark., followed immediately by the Champion of Champions Calling contest the next year. Buck was an ambassador for the whole of the outdoors. A man who truly enjoyed introducing people, particularly young people, to the wonders of the wetlands.

I knew Buck as a friend, an innovator, a true Southern Gentleman. He talked the talk and walked the walk. He was happy to share each and every one of his calling secrets with anyone who stopped, pulled up a chair, and asked for his help. Buck made affordable duck calls that, first and foremost, sound like a duck, which, when you think of it, is really what we duck callers are in search of, isn't it?

To his family, may you find comfort in the knowledge that Buck lived a good life, and, both as a duck hunter and a fine human being, touched the souls of many, myself very much included. Just so you know, Buck, I'm still using that original 6-in-1 whistle you gave me 25 years ago. Rest well, my friend. You've earned it

Now for the outdoor speed round

Crabbing on Baker Bay, weather permitting, is excellent right now. A couple of weeks back, I spent the morning on the water with Brad Bortner and his wife, Sandra, of Elochoman Valley. We had a tremendous time; four pots. Our first soak was 32 minutes. The first pot yielded 10 gorgeous keepers. Ninety minutes and we had our 36 in the IGLOO and were headed back to the Chinook boat basin. Thanks for letting me tag along.

By the time y'all read this, elk rifle season will have ended. I've heard and seen photos of several nice bulls being taken in and around Wahkiakum County. Congratulations to all who hunted hard and notched their elk tags. A four-day deer season, traditionally known as Late Buck, begins Nov. 13 and runs through Nov. 16. There, too, I've seen some nice bucks taken in Game Management Units 506 and 530 since the season opened Oct. 11.

Clamming! The WDFW has posted the next series of tentative razor clam digs, these are scheduled for Nov. 18-23. Small minus tides five of the six days; nothing to ooh and ahh about, but it's still good to get out and score the fixings for a big pot of chowder