The great Game and Fish Debacle

I have a friend who has a pet rabbit, well actually, it's her daughter's.  I mean, it's ok if it was her rabbit.  Adults are allowed to have pet rabbits, right?  Oh man am I going down a rabbit trail here! Back to the story...

Anyway, this is actually a really sad story for the rabbit, as well as the family.  The rabbit was killed by an animal while it was in it's outside cage.  My friend called the Department of Game, known Virginia as- VDGIF.  She thought it may be a weasel.  She was told by the VDGIF that Virginia did not have weasels.  It must be a ferret someone released that has went wild.  How do I know this information you ask?  Why Facebook, of course!  Anyway, she posted this on Facebook and, of course, everyone started weighing in on the matter.    One person wisely posted this link http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/information/?s=050041  to the VDGIF website.  Um, couldn't the idiot, oops sorry, the kind employee of the Commonwealth on the other end of the telephone line possibly  have searched the internet for maybe 5 seconds???  I also piped in, or as we call it on Facebook, "posted" that on page 49 of the Hunting and Trapping book, weasel is listed as an animal to trap.  By the way, for those of you wondering because I know you are, the weasel's trapping season is December 1- February 29.  After further discussions via Facebook, the family discovered that the animal was most likely a mink.

Mink

Weasel

 









So, what is my point?  Number one- Facebook is indeed good for something!  Number two- the VDGIF needs to work on customer service and education of employees.  It's really sad when an employee of the game department says something so ignorant.  They should be the go-to place for information on wildlife.  In this instance, and unfortunately as well as many others, they are a laughing stock.

The Important Things...

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."  Doug Larson

So maybe this is an oversimplification of life.  (Is that even a word?  It is today.)  Anyway, I think the overall idea is a good one.  What that quote means to me is this: If people concentrated on family, friends, etc... they would be out spending time with them.  They would be doing things that cultivated those relationships.  They would treasure every moment with those folks.

In the past couple of weeks since returning from vacation, friends of mine have had family members hospitalized.  A few have been very serious.  Some friends have lost family members.  Generally, many people are going through a tough time.  The economy is affecting lives and not in a good way.  I am truly thankful for the few days I had to spend with my family.  Even more so now, after these last few weeks.

This post is not to brag about my vacation, or the family time I had.  It's just a reminder to you friends.  Cherish every moment.  This life is so short, so fleeting.  It's fall trout fishing season.  It's also hunting season.  The leaves are changing and they are beautiful.  Make the time to get out and enjoy the world away from phones and computers.  Enjoy every moment you can with your friends and family.  Put the important things first.  Many of my friends who have sick family members also have no regrets when it comes to their family.  They took the time to do the "important things".

Friday... Friday.... in the Town of Broadway!!!!!

Yes, folks there is excitement in the air here in Broadway today.  Why you ask?  Well, maybe you didn't ask, but I know you wanted to!  Tonight is the big game.  Broadway vs Harrisonburg!  Yes, it's the game of the week, month, year, decade.... who am I kidding, the CENTURY!!!!  Both teams are undefeated.  It's a rivalry!  You can't ask for much more excitement than that.  Well, maybe you can, but we don't have it!

Seriously, folks, I wrote about small town football before, but this is what it's about.  Everyone and their brother will be there.  It's pretty much a reunion for the entire region.  The great thing is this is small town life.  People back their team.  You go to the game, see everyone you know.  Catch up with folks you haven't seen in a while.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

By the way, check out the band if you go.  I happen to know some of the kids in it and they work hard.  They will be doing a full halftime show.  Cheer for them too!

GO GOBBLERS!