Which Buck Is My Dad’s? A 50-Year-Old Wisconsin Hunting Story
15 Mar 2026

Which Buck Is My Dad’s? A 50-Year-Old Wisconsin Hunting Story

by | posted in: Hunting, Personal Reflections | 0

Last month while visiting my mom and dad, I asked Dad about a buck he shot a long time ago.

A really nice eight-point.

The kind of deer that sticks in a hunter’s memory for the rest of his life.

It was probably more than 50 years ago. Maybe closer to 60.

Back then he had a full shoulder mount made. For years the buck hung in their living room. Eventually it was donated to the nature center at the Navarino Wildlife Area.

The other day I decided to go see if I could find it.

Beyond the Thermostat: A February Night in Otter Creek
21 Feb 2026

Beyond the Thermostat: A February Night in Otter Creek

by | posted in: Rural Living | 0

Grain and hay are fed, the water tank is filled, the barn cats have a treat, and the north wind was trying to take the skin off my hands.

Just a standard February night in Otter Creek.

Forget the Salt: Why Hay Chaff is the Ultimate Winter Traction Hack
6 Jan 2026

Forget the Salt: Why Hay Chaff is the Ultimate Winter Traction Hack

by | posted in: DIY, DIY, Gear, Repair & Tools, Rural Living, Winter | 0

Tired of fighting a losing battle against black ice with bags of salt and sand? I skip the hardware store and head to the barn. By using hay chaff—the fine, fibrous leftovers from hay bales—I transformed a dangerous, icy driveway into a high-traction path that’s safe for tires and paws alike. Discover why this old-school homesteading trick is the most eco-friendly (and effective) way to handle a deep freeze.