Recently, just north of Moscow on CR 650W, we rounded a bend in the road and interrupted a “royal diner.” The “royal” was snacking away on the remnants of a road-killed raccoon and only hesitated briefly before leaving its roadside fare and taking flight.

We had encountered a fully mature Bald eagle. It displayed a full white head and tail with a huge, hooked yellow beak and yellow feet armed with huge talons. As it slowly circled, the white head and tail against its dark body stood out in vivid contrast. It was breathtaking!

I stopped in the middle of the road, and we watched as the awesome bird slowly circled the adjoining field several times at a low altitude impatiently awaiting the departure of the people so rudely interrupting its meal.

Not wishing to drive the beautiful bird away from its meal, we slowly started on toward SR 244.

Teen Dies In ORV Accident 

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident occurring Sunday evening, November 23 near the Clay-Putnam county line.

At 3:51 p.m., Clay County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a 15-year-old male had wrecked an ORV and was unresponsive near County Road 800 North and Country Road 500 East.

When officers arrived on the scene; the initial investigation determined the teen was operating the ORV when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Despite lifesaving efforts, the teen was pronounced dead on the scene.

The incident is still under investigation. The teen was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Firewood Available At McCormick’s Creek State Park 

The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at McCormick’s Creek State Park for firewood. The trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff for safety. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as picnic areas.

Permit sales and cutting begins December 1 and ends March 20. The cost of one pickup-truck load is $10. A load is defined as an 8-foot standard pickup truck bed without any modifications including sideboards. Additional charges will be incurred for a larger truck and trailer load. All proceeds will be used for resource management and restoration efforts at the park, including replacement of trees.

A firewood permit must be obtained for each load at McCormick’s Creek State Park’s office between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Thursday.

Wood may be cut and removed between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Thursday. Designated areas for wood cutting and removal will be assigned. Firewood cut at McCormick’s Creek State Park is for personal use only and cannot be sold.

Black Powder Traditions

Deer muzzleloader season runs from December 6 – 21, and offer hunters a chance to step back in time and embrace the heritage of traditional black powder hunting.

The season honors methods passed down from generations, when hunters relied on the skill and patience demanded by a single-shot firearm. Unlike modern rifles, muzzleloaders present unique challenges. Muzzleloader range is shorter, and reloading takes time. It’s these challenges making the experience so rewarding.

‘till next time, 

Jack

Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com 

Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download.