Parker Whedon: The Last Of The Old-Time Turkey Hunters

Parker Whedon: The Last Of The Old-Time Turkey Hunters

When Parker Whedon died on March 16, 2012 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and the myriad complications associated with the illness, the world of turkey hunting lost perhaps its final direct link to the sport’s great names of yesteryear.  From the time...
McCracken Joins Sporting Classics

McCracken Joins Sporting Classics

Emma M. McCracken has recently joined the Sporting Classics team as its new Assistant Editor – Digital and will oversee production of Sporting Classics Daily e-newsletter, along with other aspects of Sporting Classics’ digital channels. McCracken is an MA of English...
Origin Of Catch-And-Release

Origin Of Catch-And-Release

While attending an outdoor writers conference in Johnson City, Tennessee, I spotted a tall, distinguished gentleman in the crowd whom I immediately recognized from TV and print. I introduced myself and within 30 seconds of our handshake, I felt as if this fishing icon...
Pappy’s Pistols

Pappy’s Pistols

Black magic, junk pistols and lessons learned thereby. Pappy was county coroner 36 years; an elected position. It didn’t pay much, but he got to keep all the murder and suicide guns, and he was the only man who could arrest the sheriff, which he did when the new...
Winter Weather Wisdom

Winter Weather Wisdom

My Grandpa Joe was chock full of weather-related wisdom. For example, about this time of year, whenever a premature warm spell hinted at a change in the seasons, he would opine: “A fellow can’t trust spring. It tends to be mighty fittified.” He knew, by dint of long...
Tooth & Claw: A Valentine’s Tale Of Love And Shame

Tooth & Claw: A Valentine’s Tale Of Love And Shame

“This is going to be the day! The best Valentine’s Day ever!” I yelled as I entered the room, breaking up the hunting video game marathon in progress. “Look alive, boys, I’ve finally done it: the perfect gift!” The youngest boy shook his head and didn’t even glance...
Sweet Soul of the Smokies

Sweet Soul of the Smokies

Maggie “Aunt Mag” Williams (1863-1961) In the halcyon days of childhood, most of us had the distinct privilege, although we might not have recognized it at the time, of being in close contact with older folks who merited the description of being “a genuine character.”...
Dream Homes: High Alpine Ranch

Dream Homes: High Alpine Ranch

Sportsmen and women are connected by a desire to experience nature in all of its raw beauty; the cold rush of a babbling stream as trout sip fluttering mayflies, deer peacefully grazing in a green pasture, the sun reddening the sky as it rises up from the mountains at...