Southern Hospitality
Southern Hospitality
By Tyler Frantz
The morning began with an approximately 90 minute rain-accompanied drive down Interstate-81 to Clear Spring, MD just south of the Pennsylvania border. The reason for my commute was the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association/Field & Stream Shop's "Blog Blast" writer's outing- a gathering of outdoor communicators from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia to network, test products, see the local sights, and share our newfound knowledge with the public. Our "south of the border" hosts gave us a genuinely warm welcome with a big taste of southern hospitality. "Yes sir" and "Yes ma'am" rolled naturally from the tongue with a slightly southern drawl, while the outdoor gear we tried and locales we visited were just as pleasant to be around.
The day included a sit down with Field & Stream representative Ben Lavallee, who briefed us with his company's desire to become a top player in the outdoor marketplace by offering high-quality, innovative gear at an affordable price.
"We aren't edgy; we are timeless. We aren't aggressive; we are utilitarian. We want to bridge the gap between timeless and cool or trendy, yet still maintain a quality that looks sharp but you can pass it down to your kids ten years later," Lavellee said. Lavellee overviewed the process that goes into designing new products, such as angler bags, spin casting rods and the new sit on top angler kayak, which allows its users to actually stand while fishing. The focus on rolling out gear that makes sense and stands up to the test of time is evident by the company's efforts to put folks in charge who get the outdoor sports- live it, breathe it, and understand the importance of producing gear that the Average Joe can appreciate.
Next, we had to opportunity to "Fish off the Beaten Path" with Load Up and Limit Out, a local group of public school employees with a real passion for the outdoors. This group of good ol' boys has an active YouTube channel and website, documenting their regular experiences in the outdoors. They took us to a private farm pond where we targeted large-mouth bass, and man were there some lunkers cruising those waters.
Next, we took our complimentary Nissan Rogue from Hamilton's Nissan to Fort Frederick State Park, where we had the opportunity to test first-hand the Field & Stream Shadow Caster angler kayak. This was one of the most impressive fishing vessels I've ever had the pleasure of launching. It made me instantly want one. The kayak tracks well for such a beefy boat, and it has all the bells and whistles with room for additional customized add-ons to meet anyone's preference. We then drove down the road the a trail that linked us up to the Potomac River where we were treated to a jet boat ride in Allen Peterson's River Rocket. Peterson grew up on the river and touted it as a quality small-mouth, walleye, musky and flat-head catfish fishery. While the water was low and the fishing was limited this time of year, Allen showed us photos of some fish he caught over the past few years, and it was difficult to not want to return for an outing during the fall when angling opportunities are prime.
Lastly, we headed back to scenic Fort Frederick for dinner, where Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry founder Rick Wilson shared his mission to provide quality venison meals to those in need. Rick has devoted the past 20 years of his life to serving the underprivileged of Maryland state and beyond, expanding to 30 states, which equates to over 18 million meals. One donated deer will feed 200 people, and he urged all hunters to do what they can to join in the effort.
Finally, we returned to our hotel at the Sleep Inn, which was generously covered by "Visit Hagerstown" tourism department for networking and collaboration, capping an incredible day filled with Southern Hospitality in the Old Line state.
The next morning, we headed to Polecat Hollow Hunt Club for an action-packed early start to the day. First, we off-road test drove brand new Nissan Titans, which I mildly felt bad about taking through the rugged mountain trails with hill climbs, creek crossings and mud holes, but they handled really well. Trucks are built to get dirty, right?
Then, we met with Kid Magic Game Calls of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, which showcased it's diverse line of deer, turkey, waterfowl and predator calls at working man's prices. We also got a demonstration from the Clear Spring Middle School's National Archery In the Schools Program (NASP), which has won several Maryland State tournaments.
Lastly, the owner of Twigg Cycles was kind enough to treat us to a 4x4 UTV ride through the mountainside on a Honda Pioneer, Polaris Rzr and Kawasaki Mule. These things had chops as they cut through the uneven rocky terrain without a single hiccup. Needless to say, I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was a lot of fun!
After a catered lunch, which was sponsored by Field & Stream, we held drawings for a kayak, hat and broadhead package, exchanged business cards and handshakes, and bid each other farewell until next time. I'm honored to be a member of the MDOWA organization, which really puts a clear focus on all that the great outdoors have to offer. It's weekends like this that really make me proud to be an outdoor writer.
The next morning, we headed to Polecat Hollow Hunt Club for an action-packed early start to the day. First, we off-road test drove brand new Nissan Titans, which I mildly felt bad about taking through the rugged mountain trails with hill climbs, creek crossings and mud holes, but they handled really well. Trucks are built to get dirty, right?
Then, we met with Kid Magic Game Calls of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, which showcased it's diverse line of deer, turkey, waterfowl and predator calls at working man's prices. We also got a demonstration from the Clear Spring Middle School's National Archery In the Schools Program (NASP), which has won several Maryland State tournaments.Lastly, the owner of Twigg Cycles was kind enough to treat us to a 4x4 UTV ride through the mountainside on a Honda Pioneer, Polaris Rzr and Kawasaki Mule. These things had chops as they cut through the uneven rocky terrain without a single hiccup. Needless to say, I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was a lot of fun!
After a catered lunch, which was sponsored by Field & Stream, we held drawings for a kayak, hat and broadhead package, exchanged business cards and handshakes, and bid each other farewell until next time. I'm honored to be a member of the MDOWA organization, which really puts a clear focus on all that the great outdoors have to offer. It's weekends like this that really make me proud to be an outdoor writer.
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