In my experience, I’ve always valued the beauty of nature and the amazing friendships that come with it. As I grow older, I find myself placing more importance on the companionship rather than the quantity or size of the wildlife caught or harvested.
This sentiment seems to be shared by many outdoor enthusiasts, including a significant number of younger individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. These teens to late 30s adventurers often express their deep love and gratitude for the natural world. I frequently engage with them through conversations and social media posts, encouraging them by saying, “Your enjoyment will only increase with time, and the connections you forge will be invaluable.”
A large portion of my current friendships has roots in outdoor pursuits and events. This is why I eagerly anticipate every outing, especially those involving hunting and fishing. Recently, my friend Tony Vinnicombe and I joined forces with Kevin Porter and Johnny Dyke from Spaniard’s Bay for a six-hour snowshoe hare hunting expedition near Bellevue on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland.
The day turned out to be another example of the genuine camaraderie and light-hearted banter that characterizes outdoor activities in Newfoundland and Labrador. This camaraderie is a natural part of the province’s culture, and I feel privileged to have been a part of this outdoor community for over five decades.
Our adventure was set in motion with a casual Facebook exchange on a Wednesday evening. We met in Whitbourne, shared greetings, and set off to one of our familiar hunting spots along Route 201. Our banter included friendly challenges like “Townies against Baymen” and light-hearted teasing about our ages, adding a fun twist to the day.
Although the hunting conditions didn’t yield as much action as we had hoped for, with only four hares bagged, the day was filled with laughter and shared moments. Despite the mild morning, our hunting dogs didn’t provide the anticipated excitement, leading us to navigate through dense woods in search of game.
Amidst the challenges and mishaps, like Johnny losing his boot in a mudhole and me slipping on ice, the day was filled with laughter and camaraderie. We may have only caught a few hares, but the memories made during our time in the woods were truly priceless.
As for our friendly competition, the seniors emerged victorious by bagging all four hares. While we didn’t boast too much about our win, we acknowledged that the tables could turn in the future. Nonetheless, it was a day well spent in the great outdoors, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and shared experiences that make these adventures so special.
