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THE SPRING 2020 ISSUE

FEATURES 22

RUNNING FREE

HANK’S HEARTY STEW

The wild horses of Corolla and North Carolina’s Outer Banks are truly a sight to behold.

30 REEL TALK

An inside look at top-of-theline equipment manufactured by Virginia-based Seigler Fishing Reels.

James Beard Award-winning writer, chef and hunter Hank Shaw shares his recipe for Turkey Bean Soup.

SEIGLER’S BF ( B I G F LY ) R E E L IS DESIGNED TO B AT T L E TA R P O N , T U N A AND OTHER BIG FISH.

36 FORD PLANTATION

Hunting for quail, raptors and bull reds at this pristine, protected escape near Savannah, Georgia.

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

DEPARTMENTS THE SPRING ISSUE 2020

12 OUTFITTED Our editors review new spring gear for sport and travel.

14 FROM THE FIELD Saving Foxfield: Thanks to new leadership and conservation, steeplechase races will continue near Charlottesville.

18 OPEN SPACES Another time and place: Recollections from travels around the world.

46 GREAT ESCAPE Take a tour of five great regional golf courses that are accessible to the public.

READ OUR BOOK REVIEW: “TRAINING BIRD DOGS WITH RONNIE SMITH KENNELS: PROVEN T E C H N I Q U E S A N D A N U P L A N D T R A D I T I O N .”

ON THE COVER

58 THE SOUND Grammy-winning bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers collaborate with the Asheville Symphony.

63 WELL READ With stunning photography and invaluable insight, “Training Bird Dogs with Ronnie Smith Kennels: Proven Techniques and an Upland Tradition” is well suited for your coffee table and field bag.

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS—AND GOLFERS. R E A D A B O U T A F E W S TA F F FAV O R I T E S IN AND NEAR THE OLD DOMINION.

DURING THE H E AV Y TO U R I S M M O N T H S , N E A R LY 60,000 PEOPLE VISIT NORTH C A R O L I N A’ S O U T E R BANKS TOWN OF COROLLA TO SEE THE WILD C O L O N I A L S PA N I S H M U S TA N G S .

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 | Editor’s Note OUR FAVORITES

57 | Weddings in Wine Country THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

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The Summer 2020 Issue

EDITOR’S NOTE

JOE SHIELDS AND ROANOKE COLLEGE P A L A F T E R ( F I N A L LY ) W I N N I N G A B E T A T THE 1998 FALL FOXFIELD RACES

n our last issue, we featured a number of stories on conservation and steps taken to preserve healthy wildlife habitats for future generations. Our Spring 2020 cover story by Lynne Brandon, frequent contributor to The Virginia Sportsman, “preserves” this theme. “Wild Horses of Corolla and North Carolina’s Outer Banks” is a natural fit for our magazine, which celebrates horses and people who enjoy equestrian pursuits. Brandon recounts visiting Corolla, a town of 1,000 residents that welcomes nearly 60,000 during the heaviest tourism months. Visitors love the beaches there, but they also come to see the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that were introduced by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Wild horses are a major draw for tourists and a beloved part of everyday life for locals. That’s why there’s an ordinance that protects the horses and prohibits tourists and homeowners from getting closer than 50 feet. Preservation is also the focus of “Saving Foxfield Races.” A beloved Virginia tradition, these large steeplechase events are held each spring and fall near Charlottesville. The races originated more than four decades ago, after longtime resident Mariann S. de Tejeda founded the Foxfield Racing Association. Her goal, as articulated in her will, was to share her love of equestrian sports and preserve it for all to enjoy. Thanks to a new agreement and governance structure, de Tejeda’s wishes are being fulfilled. Two organizations, the newly created Foxfield Racing, LLC, and Garth Road Preservation, formulated a plan to continue the Foxfield Races for the foreseeable future.

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

These efforts placed the historic 178-acre race venue into easement, thereby protecting it from future subdivision and perpetuating the races for residents, visitors and friends. Spring 2020 also features Seigler Fishing Reels, maker of handcrafted conventional and fly reels. Founder Wes Seigler began manufacturing reels because he kept breaking inferior products on the water. He is a former professional cyclist and designer of racing bicycles who leveraged his expertise to create reels with a lifetime warranty. His reels are manufactured in Virginia Beach with high-quality components that are made in the United States. When you read “Triple Play,” you’ll realize it’s a great time to plan a fall trip to Ford Plantation and nearby Dorchester Shooting Preserve. These Georgia sporting destinations offer plenty for outdoors fanatics—quail, raptors and bull reds that will satisfy any sporting appetite. “Training Bird Dogs with Ronnie Smith Kennels: Proven Techniques and an Upland Tradition” is remarkable. Written by sportsman and author Reid Bryant with expert birddog trainers Ronnie Smith and Susanna Love, this training guide focuses on the “Silent Command System,” a.k.a. the “Smith Training Method.” Stunning photography captures dogs in all development stages—in training and in the field. This book is well suited for your coffee table—and field bag. We hope this issue is too.

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The Summer 2020 Issue | OUTFITTED

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

SPRING GEAR FOR SPORT AND TRAVEL

R. L Winston Rod Co. Alpha+ Fly Rod WINSTON’S NEW ALPHA+ SERIES FLY RODS AIM TO BRING THE FIGHT TO THE FISH.

For casting in remote waters or coasting into an extended vacation, here are a handful of field-tested new favorites for spring.

BY JEDD FERRIS MOUNTAIN KHAKIS WATERROCK SHORTS [1] Perfect for low-key fishing and paddling trips, Waterrock Shorts are built for wet adventures, made with moisturewicking nylon that dries quickly and outfitted with five pockets conveniently constructed with drain holes. The performance-minded shorts offer a slim fit with a bit of spandex for stretch, and feature a hidden security pocket with a zipper to keep essentials safe. $84.95; mountainkhakis.com

TOPO DESIGNS TOUR SHIRT [2] From Topo Designs’ growing line of adventure-ready apparel, this lightweight travel shirt is made with airy cotton poplin that stands out among an island crowd thanks to eye-popping custom artwork. It’s a perfect option for casual off-shore casting or laidback evenings at your favorite watering hole. $69; topodesigns.com

SIMMS CHALLENGER BIB [3] Springs temperatures in Virginia are unpredictable, so versatile bibs are essential for Southern river trips. The Simms Challenger is extremely breathable yet completely waterproof for dry comfort when it’s unseasonably warm. It’s also loaded with features, including a drop-in plier pocket with a drain, internal waist adjustment and two chest handwarmer pockets for when the thermometer goes in the other direction. $199.95; simmsfishing.com

SIMMS FLYWEIGHT SHOE [4] This wet-wading shoe is built like a lightweight trail hiker with gritty Vibram soles and a comfortable high-cushion midsole. It is also outfitted for underwater elements with a protective toe cap and socklike collar that keeps out debris. $169.95; simmsfishing.com

COSTA OCEARCH SWITCHFOOT [5] Costa’s OCEARCH collection benefits the namesake organization’s efforts to protect shark habitats that keep ocean ecosystems balanced. In addition to supporting a cause that anglers everywhere can appreciate, the Switchfoot delivers excellent sun protection and pristine on-the-water sightlines thanks to premium, lightweight polarized lenses. These shades also have double-bridge, special inset nose pads and adjustable temple tips for stable performance when you’re reeling in a big one. $209; costadelmar.com

If you’re looking for a fly rod to target little fish on small streams requiring a delicate presentation, Alpha+ rods are not for you. Instead, these nine-foot boron/ graphite composite rods are engineered for days when your sights are set on heavy fish in big water and you reach into your fly box for streamers and big heavy flies. Anglers will appreciate how the heavy lines and sinking tips fly through the rod’s ferrules, enabling accurate casts at medium to long distances. Despite its fast action and power, the Alpha+ (available in 5- through 12-weight lines) swings like a feather and offers a tremendous amount of feel. $935; winstonrods.com — Eric Kallen

SportDOG SportTrainer 875 In the overcrowded world of electronic dog training and tracking collars, there is one company with products that stand out. Designed and engineered for tough conditions that dogs find in the field, SportDOG’s wide range of collars meet the needs of hunters, trainers and family pet owners. The SportTrainer 875, available in orange and black, is designed for field training and hunting with close-working dogs. It features a half-mile range and 10 levels of static stimulation—with low and medium ranges. It also expands to accommodate three dogs and is waterproof to 25 feet. Plus, the simple OLED display clearly highlights essential information. Available at an affordable price point, the SportTrainer 875’s e-collar offers all the customization and functionality you could want. $199.95; sportdog.com — Eric Kallen

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

The Spring 2020 Issue | FROM THE FIELD

SAVING FOXFIELD RACES New Agreement Perpetuates Steeplechase Tradition in the Commonwealth BY KURT SIEFKEN

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

he promising signs of spring are easy to recognize in Charlottesville. Dogwood trees vividly color the city. The Historic Downtown Mall fills the air with music from the Fridays After Five live-concert series. And in true C-ville tradition, locals and out-of-towners converge to enjoy the Foxfield Races, large steeplechase events held each spring and fall just five miles west of town. The Foxfield Races originated in 1977, after longtime Albemarle County resident Mariann S. de Tejeda founded the Foxfield Racing Association to honor her devoted friend, Grover Vandevender, huntsman for the Farmington Hunt Club. Her goal was to share her love of equestrian sports with friends, neighbors and fellow Virginians. In 1976, she bought the old fox farm on Garth Road from the heirs of Vandevender (he called it “Fox Fields”); the 178-acre parcel once served as Albemarle County’s Wood Field airport in the 1930s. At the time of purchase, the Farmington Hunt Club adjoined Foxfield, where Vandevender raised and trained orphaned foxes. Aside from de Tejeda, many prominent people rode there during Vandevender’s tenure, including William Faulkner, then a writer-in-residence at the University of Virginia. Faulkner became friends with Vandevender and joined him for rides on the property. With the help of Raymond G. Woolfe, Jr., acclaimed jockey and author of the defining book on Secretariat, de Tejeda commissioned and built one of the finest steeplechase courses on the east coast. Woolfe designed the race track and served as Foxfield Racing Association’s first race director. Additionally, he worked hard to create Foxfield’s reputation and elite status by securing an affiliation with the National Steeplechase Association (NSA). Thomas Shifflett began working for de Tejeda in 1975 and oversaw the construction of the race track. He also worked as her ground’s manager and track maintenance supervisor. Shifflett still manages the grounds and supervises track maintenance today. In the spring of 1978, de Tejeda’s plan came to fruition with the first running of the Foxfield Races. In her will executed on May 23, 1983, de Tejeda articulated her vision and legacy in writing: “I have but one wish for the remainder of my lifetime and after my death, and that is to apply all my time, energies and financial resources to the perpetuation of the Foxfield Races in Albemarle County for the recreation, education and enjoyment of the people of Albemarle County and their friends and visitors and of Virginia who appreciate the equestrian sports, competition, and related activities.” The tradition continues on the last Saturday in April. Anchored by University of Virginia students and alumni, thousands embrace the longstanding social outing centering on horses, food, banter, beverages and (hopefully) sunshine. The emphasis at Foxfield is on tailgating and mingling; attendees embrace both dressed in fairly formal attire. The spring races are an annual celebration, attracting more than 25,000 spectators; the fall races, which are family friendly and feature children’s activities, typically attract another 3,500 people. Each year, the Foxfield Races proudly FOXFIELD RACES WILL CONTINUE, THANKS TO C O N S E R V A T I O N E F F O R T S A N D A N E W LY F O R M E D O R G A N I Z AT I O N D E D I C AT E D TO P R E S E R V I N G T H E TRADITION. PHOTO BY RICK STILLINGS

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

benefits a chosen local charity and supports Virginia’s economy. Virginia has the 12th largest equine population in the country. According to a study by the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center (WCC), Virginia’s horse industry has an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion. “The equine industry’s influence is felt in all parts of the state,” said WCC’s Regional Economist Dr. Terance Rephann. “We see a very positive effect on jobs, recreation, tourism, retail sales and state and local taxation.” The industry generates more than $65 million in state and local taxes. Additionally, equine activities have created 16,000 jobs and attract more than one million visitors annually. The Foxfield Races and other horse events generate more than $25 million in annual revenue for the Commonwealth. Mariann de Tejeda died on Dec. 26, 1985. Her will stipulated that she be interred at a simple memorial bearing her name on the Foxfield property. She also left the land, equipment, and $200,000 for maintenance and upkeep to the Foxfield Racing Association. “It is for the perpetuation of the Foxfield Races in Albemarle County that I wish to dedicate whatever estate I may

leave at my death for the continued perpetuation of the Foxfield Races and all of the related activities on its property,” de Tejeda wrote. With the death of Benjamin Dick in 2016, the Foxfield Racing Association lost its local advocate and sole director. Dick’s brother, Thomas J. Dick, who resides in Winchester and who was appointed to the board in 2014, stepped in to oversee the races and develop a new governance structure so they can continue under local leadership. Working closely with Dr. Reynolds Cowles, a local veterinarian and former member of the NSA, Dick developed a plan to place the historic race venue into easement, thereby protecting it from future subdivision. Dick also agreed to transition the management and oversight of the races to a newly formed entity, Foxfield Racing, LLC. Cowles will be president and CEO of the organization’s board of managers. Jack Sanford, president of Faulconer Construction, will be vice president of Foxfield Racing, LLC, and serve on its board of managers. Sanford was a board member of the NSA and currently is a member of the NSA’s Stewards’ Advisory Committee. Four additional members will be selected among Albemarle residents who have experience with equestrian

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

events or local charitable organizations the races will benefit. Upon transition on June 1, 2020, Dick will dissolve Foxfield Racing Association, a Virginia non-stock, non-member corporation, and transfer its assets to the Mariann de Tejeda Foxfield Memorial Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. The foundation will support equine industry activities and aid in the care and education of children with special needs. “During the past year, Tom Dick and I have worked to attain our mutual goals—to preserve and enhance the Foxfield Races, and to follow Mrs. de Tejeda’s wishes to preserve the property at Foxfield,” said Cowles. “Tom has moved forward in his efforts to create the conservation easement on Foxfield. Working with him and the staff at Foxfield, we have developed a new management team and community board to continue the tradition of the Foxfield Races for the enjoyment and benefit of the community. We feel the future is bright.” “I have worked closely over the last year and a half with Dr. Reynolds Cowles to formulate a solid plan to continue the Foxfield Races for the foreseeable future,” said Dick. “This will go into effect June 1, 2020, under Dr. Cowles’ direction with the

newly formed Foxfield Racing, LLC, along with Garth Road Preservation’s support. Coincidentally, The Foxfield Racing Association, following its placement of a previous conservation easement on 11 acres of the property in 2015 by Benjamin Dick, former chairman of Foxfield, has supplemented this previous easement with the placement of an open-space conservation easement on the entire 178acre property. The easement includes the race track. In essence, and with a great sense of fulfillment, we believe Mariann de Tejeda's wishes, hopes and dreams have been fulfilled.” This year, on the last Saturday in April, the races will benefit Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, a non-profit organization in Nelson County, Virginia. Horses will race. People will socialize and appreciate the day in the spirit of a preservationist’s will and others dedicated to open space, conserving natural resources—and history. Kurt Siefken is a freelance writer who was raised in Maine and southwest Florida. His work has appeared in The Virginia Sportsman and other publications. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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The Spring 2020 Issue | OPEN SPACES

ON SEEING THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD BY CHILES T.A. LARSON

A F R I E N D AT T H E T R I P O L I F O U N TA I N I N R O M E , I T A LY , A U G U S T 1 9 5 4

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

ow often have you had a wild idea pop into your head knowing that it might never see the light of day? I recently turned 91 and remember remarkable things. One journey taken while I was in my twenties stands apart. My adventure began near the end of 1953. At the time, I was on guard duty late one night during a shaky truce at K-14, the United States Airforce base in Kimpo, Korea. I was halfway through my tour with the famous 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing Squadron. While gazing through the double-layered barbed wired fence, I shuddered at the thought of spending another 11 days crossing the Pacific aboard the USS Randall on my return trip home. Suddenly, I Suddenly, I asked myself, “Why not find a different way to asked myself, travel back to the States across “Why not find Europe?” a different Other questions quickly way to travel followed. “Who would provide back to the the orders needed to pull off this zany idea?” The wing sergeant States across major on base was a friend. I Europe?” asked him if it was possible to receive orders for this type of endeavor. Puzzled, he said yes but explained there was certain criteria. I would have to have relatives or business in Europe. He also pointed out I would need to money to cover the cost of a commercial flight if I was bumped off a Military Air Transportation Service (MATS) flight by someone with higher priority. I also couldn’t go back via Europe if I was discharged. I told the sergeant major I had relatives in Denmark. He submitted my request along with the appropriate paperwork several months before my rotation; I was supposed to begin travelling to the States for a new assignment in August 1954. Weeks passed with no word on the orders. I had the nagging suspicion my venture was too ambitious. Then one day, my request came through, just a few weeks before my rotation. I was to proceed to Japan for medical shots, a passport, civilian clothes and more detailed orders. I was granted a 30-day leave with 15 days of travel time from Japan to U.S. soil. There was a special flight—the Embassy Run—that left Tokyo weekly. I boarded a four-engine C-54 prop aircraft that was noisy and lacked the comforts of Air Force One. It took five days to reach Europe because it stopped

V E N I C E , I T A LY , A U G U S T 1 9 5 4

periodically for refueling and overnight layovers. We initially landed in Okinawa to refuel, then continued to Clark Field in the Philippines for an overnight stay. The next day, we ate lunch and refueled in Saigon. The French had just been defeated in a climactic confrontation at Dien Bien Phu. I watched as aircrafts landed to offload refugees fleeing from the communist north. Our next stop was Bangkok, where we spent the night in the historic five-star Oriental Hotel overlooking the city’s famous waterway. In the morning, we made a brief stop in Calcutta to fuel up, then went on to New Delhi, where we stayed in the luxury Maidens Hotel, a five-star hotel built in 1902. After an excellent breakfast, we departed for Karachi, once again filling our tanks for the journey to an American air base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. August’s heat and humidity were overwhelming. My fellow passengers and I stood under the wing of the plane for shade, but flies attacked our sweaty skin. At least our barracks were airconditioned. In Dhahran, we switched to the Atlantic Division of MATS; the plane landed outside Cairo for refueling. After taking off, the pilot banked low and circled the three Great Pyramids of Giza so we could get a good look at them. From Egypt, we traveled to Wheelus Air Base on the coast of Tripoli, Libya, in North Africa. Those of us heading to Europe checked in for our next flight. I settled my gear and took a shower. Before I could

rinse off the soap, someone opened the door to the showers and shouted, “There is a plane leaving for Germany within the hour.” We dressed quickly and rushed onboard. Before I know it, I stepped onto the Frankfurt tarmac and my European vacation began. I spent a few nights at the military base to plan my tour. The weather had been poor, so I decided to head south. The Post Exchange endorsed travel packages to various venues for military personnel. A two-week adventure in Italy that began in Milan caught my eye, and because it began in two days, I had time to enjoy Germany. I took a Rhine River barge cruise from Mainz to Koblenz. Then I headed to Munich, where I took a train down through the majestic Dolomite Mountains into Milan. I ate breakfast in a hotel. I felt like sending a postcard to my old tent buddies back at Kimpo who did not believe I could pull off this trip. After breakfast, I met the other members of the tour group: a colonel and his wife, four army nurses and four other GI’s like myself. Our Italian guide was a delightful, middle-aged gentleman who quickly demonstrated his knowledge of the country and historic points of interest throughout the two-week journey. We traveled mostly by small bus, first leaving Milan for the remarkable city of Florence, where we spent several days. Then we rode to Pisa for a day. The bus broke down on our way to Rome, but we spotted a roadside wine stand and purchased Chianti that helped

assuage our delay. A few of us decided to check out Brick Top, a famous Roman nightspot in the basement of the well-known Via Veneto. We were having a good time, when in walked King Farouk of Egypt with two female companions. He plopped down in front of a slot machine; one “lady” dropped in coins and the other pulled the handle. After several days of sightseeing, we journeyed to the costal town of Salerno, then rode along curvy Amalfi Coast roads overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea to Sorrento. From there, we took a ferry to the Isle of Capri and its remarkable Blue Grotto. We saw the impressive ruins of Pompeii, then went on to Naples. Our tour ended with a stay in Venice during the Italian Film Festival. A companion and I met two vacationing college girls and invited them to join us that evening. A full moon washed over us as our gondola drifted over the Grand Canal behind a barge filled with musicians. It was a special way to finish Italy. Now alone, I went to Cannes and the French Riviera to look up a young lady I met in Rome. I was mindful of the ticking clock and chose not to see Paris. I decided Denmark was the next stop, and it took two days to get to Copenhagen by train. The visitor’s booth in the station was manned by Danish college students who helped me find an inexpensive place to stay. I missed visiting Tivoli amusement park but was delighted by an invitation to join the students on a roundtrip evening cruise to Sweden. I rented a bicycle, which is the most practical mode

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

of transportation in Copenhagen. I cycled to see the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue made famous by Hans Christen Andersen. I was told to avoid the streets during rush hour because I would encounter waves of people riding home from work. I discovered this was a good recommendation the hard way; my bike and I became wedged in the middle of a group of cyclists on my way back to my lodgings. The traffic prevented me from turning left at my street, and it took me several blocks (and a few glowering faces from other cyclists) before I escaped. One of my goals was to visit the little townships in the northern tip of Jutland where my grandparents were born. Luckily, one of the students from the travel office had a job with a car rental firm. When he learned I wanted to see that area, he said he had to deliver a car to Aalborg, near the northern tip of Denmark, and offered me a ride. My good fortune continued after meeting a local gentleman there who owned a large department store. He was very hospitable and wanted to help me find the villages I was looking for. The best part of the day was discovering an ancient church where some of my ancestors were buried. I also learned a little about the German occupation of the country during World War II. Although he was reluctant to talk about it, I learned later from one of his friends that he had been a leader in the underground. One morning after returning to Copenhagen by bus, I began thinking my memorable adventure might be worth retelling in an article. The days were limited, and I had to make arrangements to go back to the United States. As I was sitting in a sidewalk café combing through the newspaper, I read the Secretary of State John Foster Dulles was in London for a nine-power conference. Out of the blue, another idea occurred to me. What if I could fly home on the secretary of state’s plane? That feat would add a major capstone to the story. Next stop: England. I went to the U.S. embassy in London to see the press officer. After reviewing my travel orders and details of my trip, he thought writing an article about a GI hitchhiking halfway around the world had merit. “I’ll see what can be done,” he said. “Come back in the morning.” The next day, he had bad news—there were no extra seats. However, because of my creative undertaking, he stamped my orders with a higher priority. The move permitted me to fly from Prestwick, Scotland, to Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts. I landed on October 4, 1954, as stated in my orders. “You have two days travel time to get to Stewart Field, Tennessee,” said the sergeant who checked me in. “That will put me there on a Sunday, and I haven’t been home in 14 months,” I replied. He studied my orders closely, noting the countries I recently visited. “Where do you live?” “Norfolk, Virginia,” I answered. Smiling, he said, “How many days would you like?” Chiles T. A. Larson is a writer and photojournalist. He is the author of Virginia's Past Today and Barboursville Vineyards: Crafting Great Wines Inspired by Spirits from the Past. I C A P T U R E D T H I S P H OTO D U R I N G A L AYO V E R O N A F R I D AY F L I G H T F R O M J A PA N T O G E R M A N Y. N E W DELHI, INDIA, AUGUST 1954

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

THE LADY IS A FRIEND I MET IN VENICE. I C O N TAC T E D H E R L AT E R O N M Y J O U R N E Y WHILE I WAS IN LONDON. AUGUST 1954

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PHOTO BY CURRITUCK OBX

Wil 22

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HORSES OF COROLLA AND NORTH CAROLINAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OUTER BANKS S T O R Y B Y LY N N E B R A N D O N

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T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

“HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT,” THE TOUR DRIVER SAID WITH A LAUGH. He wasn’t kidding. Hats take flight during the

excursion and are part of the experience. Even with good-natured warning, all 13 of us in the oversized Hummer were giddy with anticipation. Sitting in the back row proved to be a bit of a roller-coaster “high,” but the ride was worth every jubilant minute. We rolled down Highway 12 to see the wild, Colonial Spanish Mustangs of Corolla (pronounced Kah-rawl-ah), on the way to the sandy beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. It is nature at its best with a history lesson thrown in—the horses date back to the 1500s, when Spanish explorers introduced them to the region. In season, the native, wild horses are a major draw for tourists. They are also a beloved part of everyday life for locals, who are accustomed to seeing them on the northern beaches of Corolla and smaller community beaches of Swan and Carova (Carolina and Virginia). The tiny Outer Banks town of Corolla grows from 1,000 residents to nearly 60,000 people in the heaviest tourism months, which occur May through October. Aside from the beaches, the horses are the main attraction. The Corolla herd is one of two wild Colonial Spanish Mustang herds left in the world; mustangs in the other herd are called Shackleford ponies and live in Shackleford Banks, which is also located in the Outer Banks. The best way to see the horses is with Wild Horse Adventure Tours (WHAT). The two-hour tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience connecting people with horses and landscape, albeit from a safe distance. A strict local ordinance protects the horses and prohibits tourists from getting closer than 50 feet. During peak season, nearly 50,000 visitors take the WHAT tour; 25 tours are given each day. Highly trained WHAT tour guides are schooled in history and knowledgeable about the terrain, environment and horses. WHAT training is intense, and guides must pass a comprehensive test before getting behind the wheel of custommade Hummers with open-air “windows.” WHAT refurbished eight H1 Hummers for the tours. Using Hummers was the idea of Richard Brown, a WHAT owner and selftaught mechanic; he knew only 4x4 vehicles can maneuver sand and thought Hummers would be perfect for the beach tours.

The best way to see the Wild Horse Adventurhoerses is with Tours

WILD HORSE ADVENTURE TOURS OFFERS TWO-HOUR E X P E R I E N C E S T H AT C O N N E C T P E O P L E W I T H W I L D HORSES AND LANDSCAPE. (LEFT) PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES; (RIGHT) PHOTO COURTESY WILD HORSE ADVENTURE TOURS

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hthouse is open daily forr until The Currituck Beach. Lig m. from Easte climbing from 9:00 a.ymbeftoore5:0Th0ankp. sgiving. the da

SEE & DO There’s plenty to see and do in Corolla. Highlights include Wild Horse Adventure Tours, Currituck Lighthouse and Whalebone.

WILD HORSE ADVENTURE TOURS Beside the adventure, a portion of the proceeds from the tours goes to the CWHF and is used for herd medical emergencies. WILDHORSETOUR.COM

CURRITUCK LIGHTHOUSE The lighthouse—with its distinctive red exterior—still functions as a guide for passing mariners. Make sure to climb to the top; the view is the reward. OBCINC.ORG

WHALEHEAD

Step back in time and visit a beautifully restored, Art Nouveau-style home built in the 1920s. The historic home is set on 39 pristine acres along the Currituck Sound in Historic Corolla. It is closed in winter. (VISITCURRITUCK.COM/ T H I N G S -TO - D O )

“Out of our concern for preservation and respect for the horses, we try to make the tour more educational and less about tourism,” said WHAT General Manager Pete Cole. “Our Hummers help make the beach safer for horses by lessening the number of vehicles on the beach.” It did not take long before we spotted harems of mustangs on the beach. Unfazed by vehicles that are a part of everyday life, the majestic horses gathered at the water’s edge. It was a perfect moment, and the scene resembled a painting with a background the color of a Carolina sky. The Corolla herd is made up of approximately 100 horses that live in Corova—the oldest community in the North Corolla beach area—and Swan and North Swan beaches. Herd numbers fluctuate slightly, and six foals were born in 2019. Our entertaining guide drove us into hidden alcoves with “neighborhoods” where we could observe wild horses in nature. Off the main beach, houses mix with terrain; pine trees and wood-like foliage resemble Old Florida. At times, horses took breaks from the beach to relax and eat in the shade. Mustangs are smaller in stature than most horses; the guide explained they are typically 13-14 hands high. He told us that nearby homeowners also had to follow the same restrictions and stay 50 feet away from the horses. The respect that WHAT has for the horses is equally matched by another organization’s respect: The Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF). The nonprofit’s mission is to protect the horses, preserve their environment and educate the public. By way of aerial view, helicopters keep close tabs on herd numbers throughout the year. The count is critical; dwindling numbers have put the horses on an endangered list. In the 1920s, the horses numbered around 6,000, but time and mankind have taken a toll.

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

(ABOVE) THE TINY TOWN OF COROLLA GROWS FROM 1,000 R E S I D E N T S T O N E A R LY 6 0 , 0 0 0 P E O P L E I N T H E H E AV I E ST TO U R I S M M O N T H S O F M AY THROUGH OCTOBER. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

( R I G H T ) S PA N I S H E X P L O R E R S INTRODUCED COLONIAL S PA N I S H M U S TA N G S T O N O R T H C A R O L I N A’ S O U T E R B A N K S I N THE 1500S. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

INSET PHOTO PHOTO BY CURRITUCK OBX

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PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

PAVED PARADISE TO PUT IN A PARKING LOT The Road that Led to the Wild Horse Fund of Corolla

THE COROLLA WILD HORSE FUND P E R M A N E N T LY R E LO C AT E S COMPROMISED HORSES TO ITS 30- ACRE RESCUE FACILITY FOR R E H A B I L I TAT I O N . P H OTO BY COROLLA WILD HORSE FUND.

At one time, the road stretching from Duck to Corolla was little more than a dirt path. Paradise gave way to progress, the pathway was paved with asphalt in 1985. In the decade that followed, 20 horses were hit by cars. In 1989, a group of concerned residents recognized the need to raise public awareness of the wild horses living between the two towns and founded the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. The CWHF worked with local government to develop a plan to protect the historic and endangered horses in their rapidly changing ecosystem. In 1996, the allvolunteer nonprofit raised $50,000 to build a soundto-sea fence just north of Corolla. The remaining wild horses were subsequently moved to the north beaches for protection. A second fence, 11 miles north at the Virginia state line, was also erected and financed by the group. Today, there are 7,544 acres of mixed-use land: federal, state and private-use land with more development on the horizon.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Make a donation or sponsor a horse with Corolla Wild Horses (link below). The CWHF long-term goal is to raise significant funding so it can purchase more land and place it in permanent conservation easements for horses. COROLLAWILDHORSES.COM

Sanctuary V on a quaintineyards is located seaside farm .

EAT & DRINK Plenty of good food awaits in the Outer Banks but try these four standouts.

A herd manager and staff monitor the health and behavior of horses on a daily basis. They also study herd interactions. Horses are free to live naturally off the land for food and water. Contraception is used on mares more than 10 years old to protect horse and herd health and lessen birth defects. A mustang’s wild diets consists of sea oats, grasses, acorns, persimmons, an invasive plant (phragmite) and milfoil, a sub-aquatic plant that grows in manmade canals. They do not receive supplemental feeding but are closely monitored throughout winter months. Water sources include the Currituck Sound, a freshwater estuarine system. CWHF Director Jo Langone said the distance requirement keeps horses and people safe. “An exception is made when a horse is too ill to recover from an injury or sickness without medical intervention, or if a horse becomes too relaxed around people,” Langone explained. In these instances, CWHF permanently relocates compromised horses to its 30acre rescue facility for rehabilitation. The facility treats horses with critical illnesses, life-threatening injuries or habituation issues. The relocation is permanent because reintroducing a rehabilitated horse to the wild herd could result in the transfer of domestic diseases. It would also be challenging for these horses to adjust back to life in the wild. Langone acknowledges that wild horses are self-sufficient and hardy, as they have been for centuries. However, in September 2019, Hurricane Dorian struck near Cedar Island and 28 horses died, diminishing the herd of 49 by half. “Horses have natural instincts to protect themselves, but in the case of Dorian, it happened too fast,” said Langone. “The water surged to eight feet within an hour and the horses had no time to escape.” The tragedy hit the equine community hard, but fortunately the animals are resilient. New foals are born, and herds continue to thrive thanks to WHAT and CWHF. Both organizations are dedicated to educating the public and preserving an important 500-year legacy. A beach with wild horses—what could possibly be better?

Lynne Brandon is a regular contributor to North Carolina Relocation magazine, South Carolina Relocation magazine and Doc Lawrence publications in Atlanta. She is also a contributing editor to Business NC, Triad Living and other North Carolina tourism publications.

NORTH BANKS RESTAURANT & RAW BAR Try the Colossal Lump Crab Grenades: tempura-battered giant lumps of crabmeat for starters. Then enjoy the yellow fin tuna entrée and finish with a decadent chocolate mousse sprinkled with crushed potato chips. NORTHBANKS.COM

MIKE DIANNA’S GRILL ROOM Locally owned and delicious, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices. Try the filet but start with a shrimp cake. This restaurant is closed in winter. GRILLROOMOBX.COM

SANCTUARY VINEYARDS Visit North Carolina’s Wine Grower of the Year with daily wine tastings seven days a week.

S A N C T UA R Y V I N E YA R D S . C O M

WEEPING RADISH BREWERY, PUB AND RESTAURANT Brats and beer are the perfect combination at North Carolina’s first micro-brewery. It was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” WEEPINGRADISH.COM

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

S E I G L E R â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S S A L T W A T E R F LY REELS ARE MANUFACTURED IN V I R G I N I A B E AC H A N D F E AT U R E A LEVER-DRAG SYSTEM.

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

Seigler Fishing Reels Made in Virginia, USA

Innovative Fishing-Reel Manufacturer Thrives in Virginia Beach STORY BY JOE SHIELDS

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

ichmond native Wes Seigler is obsessed with cycling, fishing and unfailing equipment. In 2009, the entrepreneur began manufacturing fishing reels because he kept breaking inferior products on the water. Seigler has a knack for fiddling with metalworks; he is a former professional cyclist and designer of racing bicycles.

“Near the end of my professional racing career, I realized somethings are important and somethings aren’t,” said Seigler. “Whether it’s tube sets or something else, you use your experience to design a better bike so you can race better. I don’t see why designing fishing reels should be any different.” Seigler’s fascination with fishing reels began when his friends took him fishing for white marlin offshore in Virginia Beach. “We were experiencing difficulties with the conventional reels we were using, Fix the product, or and I asked the guide if he could put us in the customer gets touch with the brand so we could share our a new reel. That’s concerns,” he said. “The guide suggested I design my own reels if I wanted to get things the foundation of right. So, I figured there’s the bike side, and his business, and then there’s the fishing side of design. I he means it. already knew bikes and was confident I could figure out reels.” A resident of Reedville, Seigler based his business in nearby Burgess, at the end of Virginia’s Northern Neck. He purchased an old machine and learned how to build reels with multiple parts. He named his company Release Reels and intended to balance the deficit with China by keeping manufacturing in the United States. Tinkering led to innovation; in time, he developed conventional and fly reels and backed them with a lifetime warranty. Fix the product, or the customer gets a new reel. That’s the foundation of his business, and he means it. Despite noble intentions and success, Seigler encountered challenges that had nothing to do with fishing, talent, design or manufacturing; he selected a problematic name for his brand. It took a few years before a marine-industry executive from Georgia sued Seigler over the name “release.” The products were completely unrelated, and Seigler took it to the courts. After spending six figures on legal expenses, he decided to abandon the name even though he had a good chance of winning the case. “It just wasn’t worth fighting over anymore,” he said. “I wanted to focus on making reels instead of litigation and BS.” Seigler renamed the company Truth Reels but ran into a similar situation and was sued by a company that used “truth” in a hunting video. In both instances, Seigler’s products had nothing to do with the other industries.

FOUNDER WES SEIGLER PRESENTS A BONEFISH C A U G H T U S I N G O N E O F H I S H I G H - E N D F LY - R E E L C R E AT I O N S .

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“Our fly reels have been well received by the angling community, especially among guides,” he said. “But the tarpon world is where our fly reels shine.”

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

“I thought about walking away at that point,” Seigler admitted. “But then my legal team was going over some things and my ‘WS’ initials came up. We engrave ‘WS’ on key parts of every reel we manufacture. They’re a work of industrial art—a throwback to my racing days. That’s when I decided on a prudent company name: Seigler Fishing Reels.” On January 18, 2017, the new name went into effect. Seigler subsequently notified 4,700 customers and businesses. With the branding piece resolved, Seigler had to tackle another problem: finding good workers in a rural area. Logically, he turned to the water, and decided to move the company someplace where there is plenty of it: Virginia Beach. “The Commonwealth is a great state for angling. We have lakes, rivers and streams. We also have inshore bays and offshore fishing. Virginia Beach made perfect sense to us, and we were able to create new jobs and keep manufacturing in the U.S.” Seigler’s move relocated six employees—including is wife Liz—and created new fulltime positions. The company now employs between nine and 13 people at its 8,000-square-foot facility. “We hire people who care,” added Seigler. “Then we train them.” Seigler manufactures nine reels: three fly and six conventional reels. Throughput is growing, and the team currently produces 150 fly and 600 conventional reels per month. All are made in Virginia with high-quality components that are made in the United States. “OUR WORD IS OUR GUARANTEE” is etched into every handcrafted reel. The reels are sold on the company website, but the main channel is through mom-and-pop tackle, fly shops and large dealers across the country. “I prefer selling our reels through dealers,” Seigler explained. “Dealers, especially the mom-and-pops, enjoy telling our story, and that’s great marketing for us. Fly shops are terrific because they’re specialty and old school. Sure, they’ll sell you equipment, but they also tell you where to go and can show you how to catch fish.” Green Top Sporting Goods outside Richmond is an exceptional dealer. “Green Top is an interesting partner,” said Seigler. “We typically don’t sell both conventional and fly reels through bigger stores like that because fly departments are underdeveloped. But Gabe Beverly has done a terrific job there, and we sell both at the store.” Seigler Reels have won a number of awards; the Seigler SF (Small Fly) reel recently won 2019 ICAST Best of Category. Seigler doesn’t attend award ceremonies; he’d rather let the dealer—or an angler who deserves the award by catching a fish—bring it back to the company. “Our fly reels have been well received by the angling community, especially among guides,” he said. “But the tarpon world is where our fly reels shine.”

Seigler listens to customers. One of his favorite customer stories is about a nine-year old from South Carolina. Brendan Bell didn’t have enough money to purchase a reel from Seigler. The boy mailed him a fishing picture he drew and $22 and change in a variety of currencies. He even promised to pay more when he received his allowance. Seigler sent him a reel and keeps the letter—along with the picture and money—in a Ziploc bag thumbtacked to his office wall. Seigler fly reels range from $750 to $1,500. The SF (Small Fly) is suitable for 6- to 9-weight lines. The MF (Medium Fly) is suitable for 9- to 11-weight lines. The BF (Big Fly) is specifically designed to battle giant trevally, tarpon, tuna and other big fish. It is suitable for 11- to 13-weight lines. The reels have a lever drag—a preset dial and a drag lever that allows anglers to predetermine maximum drag. This gives them infinite control over drag pressure and they do not have to switch hands to adjust the drag. Seigler listens to customers. One of his favorite customer stories is about a nine-year old from South Carolina. Brendan Bell didn’t have enough money to purchase a reel from Seigler. The boy mailed him a fishing picture he drew and $22 and change in a variety of currencies. He even promised to pay more when he received his allowance. Seigler sent him a reel and keeps the letter—along with the picture and money—in a Ziploc bag thumbtacked to his office wall. “Drawing up more options for kids makes a lot of sense to me,” he said. “Fly fishing in particular is exploding among young boys and girls, and it’s becoming more accessible. I think about them a lot here in our factory when I think about designing new products.” The reel maker plans to design new quality youth reels that can be upgraded as young anglers progress in the sport. The future looks bright for all involved. Visit www.SEiGLER.fish to learn more.

Joe Shields is the editor in chief of The Virginia Sportsman. He is a writer and marketing executive based in Charlottesville, Virginia. His writing and photography have appeared in The Virginia Sportsman and other publications. Whether fly fishing or surfing, he loves the outdoors and celebrates sporting life and culture in his narratives.

S E I G L E R F LY R E E L S R A N G E F R O M $ 7 5 0 T O $ 1 , 5 0 0 A N D C A N H A N D L E S M A L L A N D B I G F I S H — I N C L U D I N G ( O P P O S I T E PA G E ) T R I G G E R F I S H ( L E F T ) A N D M A H I - M A H I ( T O P ) — I N S A LT W A T E R .

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

TRIPLE PLAY AT GEORGIA'S FORD PLANTATION 36

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

PLAN YOUR FALL VISIT FOR QUAIL, RAPTORS AND BULL REDS S T O R Y B Y J . M I C H A E L W E LT O N

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

Abundance is the best way to describe autumn in Georgia. And October and November are prime times to experience it, with the outdoor activities surrounding Ford Plantation, 20 miles south of Savannah. First, there’s the quail hunting at Dorchester Shooting Preserve, a half-hour away. Ford members are offered special privileges at the 4,800-acre spread, where quail are plump and plentiful. Between 155,000 and 160,000 birds are released every year; approximately 130,000 are taken. These two entities have been partnering for about 15 years now. Anywhere from 25 to 50 hunters from Ford show up every year, says Dave Massey, general manager a Dorchester. More come for the sporting clays. That leaves an abundance of quail for the rest of us. Dorchester’s open to anyone, with comfortable accommodations in its lodge and 14 cottages. There are also the home-cooked meals. “The fried chicken is legendary,” Massey says. Nearly 1,800 quail hunts are held every year on the preserve’s 1,200 acres of habitat set aside for the birds. “We can do nine quail hunts at a time on any morning or afternoon—that’s 18 in a day, each on 80 to 100 acres,” Massey says. I was a guest of both Ford and Dorchester in late October, and ventured out into the field with Mike Womble, director of outdoor pursuits at Ford, along with our guide, Brooks Taylor. He’s part of a team of about 22 Dorchester guides who rotate in and out for a number of activities. “We not only do quail, but duck hunts and pheasant shoots,” Massey says. “It’s a heck of an operation.” The three of us were accompanied by four German Shorthair Pointers and two English Cocker Spaniels—Elvis and Sarah. Taylor split them into two teams of three, with two dogs on point and a cocker spaniel for the flush. One team went out with us; the other waited in the wagon we rode out in. Armed with 28-gauge Beretta over-and-unders, we followed the first brace of pointers on foot, a well-heeled Elvis verbally restrained by Taylor. The pointers led us along a two-track, with the occasional detour into dense layers of sedge and goldenrod. We mostly encountered singles and doubles at first, with exploding coveys rare. More common were three or four birds bursting out from behind a mound or cover, one wave after another. We stayed out for about an hour and a half, then circled back to the wagon for water, more shells and a fresh brace of dogs. Then we were out for another hour. Our total in that time was about 10 birds each—not bad for a pair of wing-shooters who hadn’t seen action for a couple of years. And even if it was a 76-degree, humidity-soaked morning, it was also an invigorating push out into one of the best-managed preserves in the South.

DORCHESTER IS A 5,000-ACRE HUNTING PRESERVE O N T H E S O U T H E A S T G E O R G I A C OA S T T H AT O F F E R S Q UA I L H U N T I N G , C O N T I N E N TA L P H E A S A N T S H O OT I N G , W I L D - B OA R H U N T I N G , S P O R T I N G C L AY S A N D C OA S TA L F I S H I N G .

Armed with 2 8 - ga u ge B e r e t ta ov e r -a n d u n d e r s, w e fo l l o w e d t h e fi r st b r ac e of pointers o n fo o t, a w e l l- h e e l e d E lv i s v e r b a l ly r e st r a i n e d by Tay l o r . The pointers led us along a t w o -t r ac k , with the o c c a si o n a l detour into d e n se l ay e r s o f se d ge a n d go l d e n r o d. S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

A Trout Reel Worthy of the Name Mirage® Proudly made in the USA

5TH ANNUAL SOUTH RIVER FLY FISHING EXPO

APRIL 18–19, 2020

CONSTITUTION PARK | DOWNTOWN WAYNESBORO, VA ON THE BANKS OF THE SOUTH RIVER

FEATURING

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V I S IT A N O RV I S STO R E N E A R YOU ! ARLINGTON LEESBURG

BETHESDA, MD

CHARLOTTESVILLE

RICHMOND - 2 LOCATIONS

TYSONS CORNER

ROANOKE

WOODBRIDGE

On stream demonstrations and lessons in fly casting, spey casting, and euro-style nymphing. Casting pond for testing the latest fly rods from Hardy, Orvis, Redington, Echo, Moonshine Rods, and more to come! Fly Tying demonstrations and regional fisheries presentations. Local and regional Conservation Organizations, Fly Fishing Retailers and Guide Services. Great Gear Raffles with products from our sponsors and vendors. Local Craft Brews and great local BBQ from Holy Smokes BBQ.

Ed engle

pat cohen

SOUTHRIVEREXPO.ORG 40

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

T H E F O R D P L A N T A T I O N P R O V I D E S A C C E S S T O P R I S T I N E S A LT M A R S H E S T H AT A R E L I N E D W I T H OY S T E R B E D S A N D T E E M I N G W I T H R E D F I S H , S E A T R O U T A N D TA R P O N .

The balance of Dorchester land—approximately 3,600 acres—is designated for deer- and hog-hunting. Then there’s falconry, its newest outdoor venture. Womble recently discovered a nearby outfitter with six hawks—and promptly put them to work. Since he’s charged with keeping Ford Plantation members engaged and respectful of the environment, he figured the hawks would be naturals. He was right. These are raptors at home in their natural habitat. “You can take a field and go out with red tail hawks on a squirrel hunt, but the other day we were hunting quail and pheasant with a goshawk from Canada,” Womble says. “Not everybody’s a vegetarian, you know—they like to kill these things in the wild.” The bull reds Womble, an intrepid and multi-talented outdoorsman, is also harbormaster at Ford’s Silk Hope Marina. He’s well-schooled in the pristine, fish- and bird-packed waterways and estuary surrounding the plantation. That means he knows his way around the three boats Ford keeps tied up there, among them a 25-foot Grady White. So, the day after our Dorchester quail hunt, I found myself seated beside him at his Grady White console, tooling along the Ogeechee River, heading out for the Ossabaw Sound. We were after bull red drums, borne on a tide that would rise nine feet in just a few hours. “They’re our brood stock,” Womble says. “They’re spawning in the sound this time of year, and they weigh from 15 to 50 pounds, with lengths from 35 to 50 inches.” We anchored along a tide line of incoming sea water, more transparent and bluegreen than the river water, tannin-stained from decaying plant life. Fishing at a depth of roughly 35 feet, we used a pair of Shimano Terez spinning rods, Quantum Cabo 80 reels and 50-lb. test line with 100-lb. leader. Our rig: sliced mullet, an eight-ounce bank sinker, a 24-inch leader and a 9/0 circle hook. While we waited for the incoming tide, we cast to the tea-colored river water, and over time snagged a hefty, toothsome quartet: a Bonnet Head Shark, a Lemon Shark, a Blacktip Shark, and an Atlantic Sharp-nosed Shark. They averaged three to four feet, and weighed between 10 to 18 pounds. Topping it off was a 40-pound stingray that slammed into the mullet, and when coaxed to water’s edge, took an airborne leap. When the tide was up and we could cast to the more transparent water, a bull red ripped into the bait 38 feet down – then shook his head like a defiant bulldog. “You feel that thump?” Womble shouted. “That fish does not want to see your face.” Hooked, it didn’t make a run like the sharks we’d caught earlier. Not this 28-pound, 38-inch bull red. This fish pumped and thumped his way up to the surface after10 long minutes, resistant and peeling off the drag. Finally he was in the boat, a monster with huge red scales and trademark black tail spots. As soon as we released him, a second was on the line—putting up the same ruthless

fight for 10 more minutes. “No need for the gym today,” Womble quipped. This was a fairly average afternoon on the sound, he said, though some days yield 12 to 15 fish. “The most I caught in a four-hour trip was 19,” he says. “We fished for two and a half hours, and I was exhausted—it was a family of three, with two on at once most of the time.” The abundance at Ford Plantation, along with Dorchester Shooting Preserve, is a fall coup for the outdoors fanatic—brimming with enough quail, dogs, gunpowder and bull reds to satisfy any appetite. Add the falconry, and you’ve got yourself a rare triple play in the middle of the natural world. For more information, go to fordplantation.com huntdsp.com. J. Michael Welton writes about architecture, art and design for national and international publications, and edits a digital design magazine at www. architectsandartisans.com. He is the architecture critic for The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., and author of “Drawing from Practice: Architects and the Meaning of Freehand” (Routledge, 2015). S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

TURKEY BEAN SOUP BY HANK SHAW

f you’ve never heard of the French stew cassoulet, you’re missing out. It’s a hearty stew—some would say a gut bomb—made up of beans and many kinds of meats, some smoked, some confited, some in the form of sausages. This turkey bean soup is a riff of that idea, but much lighter. I first saw this recipe for Southern cassoulet in the excellent cookbook “Victuals: An Appalachian Journey,” with Recipes by Ronni Lundy. She in turn learned it from Shelley Butcher of the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro in Tennessee. What you see here is my take on it, loaded with lots of wild game. The essence of this soup, or stew, or casserole, depending on how much broth you want to serve with it, is the use of good beans and lots of varied meats. Ronni’s uses bacon, salt pork, chicken-apple sausages and rabbit confit. Mine uses bacon, a Toulouse-style duck sausage and wild turkey thighs. No matter what you choose, you need something smoked, some sort of sausage and a meat that will break down into tenderness with slow cooking. Turkey thighs and drumsticks are a good choice here, but so would rabbit, pheasant legs, squirrels or pork. A word on the beans. What attracted me to this recipe was Ronni’s use of fresh “shelly” beans, which are fully ripe beans that are not yet dry. I happened to have access to excellent cranberry beans in this state. Shelly beans have a different texture from dried, a touch more vegetal and less meaty. But fully dried beans are fine and are what the French use. A final touch is the use of cherry, grape or other small tomatoes. I really like what they do for this soup. Bright, colorful little bursts of tart flavor that play off the richness of everything else in the bowl. Other tomato additions would not have this same effect. You make your turkey bean soup in stages. Each thing gets added to the pot in due time, not all at once. Follow this rule and you will be very happy. Break it and you will have a muddied, undifferentiated mass in a bowl. Still OK, just nothing to write home about. WILD-FOODS EXPERT AND AUTHOR HANK SHAW S H A R E S O N E O F H I S FAV O R I T E A P PA L A I C H I A N R E C I P E S . P H O T O B Y H O L LY A . H E Y S E R

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

ABOUT HANK SHAW Hank Shaw is a chef, hunter, angler, forager and wild-foods expert constantly on the lookout for new things to gather, catch and eat. He is the author of four wild-game cookbooks: “Hunt, Gather, Cook: Finding the Forgotten Feast” (2011); “Duck, Duck, Goose: Recipes and Techniques for Ducks and Geese, both Wild and Domesticated” (2013); “Buck, Buck, Moose: Recipes and Techniques for Cooking Deer, Elk, Moose, Antelope and Other Antlered Things” (2016); and “Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail: Upland Birds and Small Game from Field to Feast” (2018). Shaw stands at the forefront of the wild-foods movement, and his website Hunter Angler Gardener Cook (honest-food. net) is the internet's largest source of tips, techniques and recipes for wild foods. From venison to wild mushrooms, waterfowl to upland game birds, saltwater and freshwater fish, seafood, and edible wild plants, food that you can't buy in the store is Shaw's specialty. Hunter Angler Gardener Cook won the James Beard Award for Best Blog in 2013; the Beards are considered the Oscars of the food world. Shaw also won the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) award for Best Blog in 2010 and 2011, and his work was featured in the 2012 and 2013 editions of “Best American Food Writing.” Shaw has appeared on television shows ranging from Mike Rowe’s “Somebody's Gotta Do It” on CNN, to Andrew Zimmern's “Bizarre Foods” on Travel Channel, to Steven Rinella's “Meateater” on Sportsman Channel. He has been featured in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, Field & Stream, CNN, NPR and similar outlets. He hunts, fishes and forages near Sacramento, CA.

TURKEY BEAN SOUP Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 2 hrs 20 mins Total Time 2 hrs 40 mins

6 slices bacon 1 or 2 wild turkey thighs, or 2 pounds other meat 3 carrots, peeled and cut into discs 2 medium yellow or white onions, chopped 3 celery stalks, chopped Salt and black pepper 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 quarts turkey, chicken or other game stock 2 pounds shelly beans or fresh butter beans, or 1 pound dried beans that have been soaked overnight 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 pound sausage, cut into coins 12 to 20 cherry or grape tomatoes 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1. In a large soup pot like a Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon. Eat a slice, then chop the rest and set aside. Preheat the oven to 325F. 2. Brown the turkey thighs in the hot bacon grease, turning as needed. Remove and set aside. Add the carrots, onions and celery and cook until soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute or two. 3. Return the turkey thighs to the pot, add the stock along with another quart of water. Add the beans, thyme and bay leaves and salt to taste. Cover the pot and set in the oven for 2 hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;90 minutes if you are using store-bought turkey.

NOTE THIS IS A SORT OF SOUTHERN CASSOULET, A HEARTY MIX OF BEANS AND MEATS GOOD FOR COLD DAYS. THE MEATS YOU USE CAN VARY, AS CAN THE BEANS. P H O T O B Y H O L LY A . H E Y S E R

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

4. Check the turkey to see if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tender. When it is, fish the thighs out and debone, then chop and shred a bit. Remember you will eat all this with a spoon, so that should guide you in terms of size. Return the turkey meat to the pot. 5. Add the sausage, tomatoes and honey to the pot and stir well. Add more salt if you need it. Return to the pot and set back in the oven for 15 minutes. 6. When you are ready to serve, stir in the parsley and reserved bacon, along with lots of freshly ground black pepper.

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The Spring 2020 Issue | GREAT ESCAPE

STAFF PICKS FOR GOLF IN AND NEAR THE OLD DOMINION Virginia is for lovers—and for golfers. The Old Dominion is home to some of the best golf courses in the country. According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, there are RESIDENT 220 public golf courses in the Commonwealth, and many have garnered accolades SPORTSMAN’S and media attention. (And so has one in West Virginia.) Our staff picks a few resort favorites and a privately owned, publicly accessible course inLICENSE our own backyard. STORY BY STAFF WRITERS

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T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

The Greenbrier Resort The Old White TPC

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA The Greenbrier has been the home of world-class golf for more than a century. The resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 18-hole golf course opened in 1914. The Old White TPC (7,287 yards, par-70) was named after the Old White Hotel, which stood on the current grounds from 1858 to 1922. It was designed by Seth Raynor and the father of American golf-course architecture, Charles Blair Macdonald. After suffering severe flood damage, the course was completely restored to its former glory and reopened in 2017. Old White is Ranked No. 2 TPC by Golf Digest. The resort also has another 18-hole golf course, The Meadows (6,795 yards, par-71). In addition, there are two nine-hole courses: The Greenbrier Course and The Ashford Short Course. TPC.COM/OLDWHITE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREENBRIER

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

Spend A Perfect Day in Crozet 8:00am – Swing by Grit Coffee in the Old Trail Village for a great cup of coffee and breakfast on the go. 8:30am – Check in at the Old Trail Golf Shop and be sure to check out the selection of top-line golf apparel and merchandise available to compliment your game. 9:00am – Squeeze in a few warm up shots at the driving range before starting your round off right with a perfect drive off the tee box at Hole #1. 11:30am – Swing by the Snack Bar for some mid-round refreshments.

The Old Trail Golf Club Centrally located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a stone’s throw from the Brew Ridge Trail and Skyline Drive, the perfect Central Virginia golf destination awaits you at Old Trail Golf Club. The 18-Hole, par-72 championship design—which An 18-hole features bentgrass Championship greens and zoysia course, Old Trail fairways that are in superb was designed to always condition—sports conform to the four sets of tees, natural features including juniorspecific tees, making of the land. it a fun and fair test for players of all abilities. Old Trail Golf Club’s restaurant and event venue, Restoration, is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-round meal. The jaw-dropping views of the mountains and the golf course alone make it worth a visit; throw in the delicious lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, and Restoration becomes a must—just like a trip to Old Trail Golf Club itself.

11:45am – Continue your round with another fantastic shot off of hole #10. 2:00pm – Enjoy a delicious meal on the patio at Restoration. We recommend one of many local brews on draft, paired with our house-smoked wings, or brisket cheesesteak sandwich. 3:00pm – The day is not over! Don’t leave town without checking out a few area attractions, all located within 20 minutes of Old Trail Golf Club: • Over 20+ Wineries, Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries • Peach & Apple Orchards • Art Galleries • Local Shops & Farmers Markets • Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Forest • Jefferson’s Monticello • University of Virginia Campus & Sporting Events Whether you are planning a day trip or weekend getaway, we welcome you to visit Crozet and Old Trail Golf Club!

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIMLAND

Primland Resort Highland Golf Course THE MEADOWS OF DAN, VA

Perched atop a mountain, Primland’s 18-hole course (7,053 yards, par-72) offers majestic views of the Meadows of Dan, Virginia over 12,000 acres. Designed by renowned golf-course architect Donald Steele, this course was ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” It is also ranked 4th in Virginia on Golf Course Guru’s Best in State list. Primland Resort focuses on the natural environment. That’s why its Audubon-certified course of bentgrass putting greens has been skillfully blended into the natural mountain landscape. The course offers a challenging but rewarding round for golfers of all skill levels. PRIMLAND.COM/ACTIVITIES/GOLF

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TIDES INN

The Tides Inn

Golden Eagle Golf Course IRVINGTON, VIRGINIA The Tides Inn, a Chesapeake Bay Resort situated in the Northern Neck on a private peninsula, offers more than just water activities and sailing. Opened for play in 1976, the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18-hole Golden Eagle Golf Course (7,025 yards, par-72) is carved out of a wooded landscape around a 50-acre lake. Designed by George W. Cobb, the golf course features Bermuda fairways, bentgrass greens, a number of elevation changes and well-placed bunkers for all skill levels. Golfers will face challenging water hazards on No. 5, No. 9 and No. 18 holes. The Golden Eagle Golf Club also has a driving range. TIDESINN.COM/GOLDEN-EAGLE-GOLF-CLUB

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

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T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OMNI HOMESTEAD RESORT

The Omni Homestead Resort

The Cascades and The Old Course HOT SPRINGS, VIRGINIA

Both 18-hole courses at The Homestead offer superlative golf and amazing mountain scenery. The Old Course (6,099 yards, par-72) boasts the oldest first tee in continuous play, dating back to the course’s opening in 1892. The historic course’s numerous fairway contours make for interesting approach shots onto small, well-manicured greens. The resort’s other course, The Cascade Course (6,873 yards, par-70), is regarded as one of the finest mountain golf courses in the country. Set against a backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains, this is the course where legendary golfer Sam Snead got his start. The Cascade’s historic fairways offer varied terrain that make each hole unique and challenging. OMNIHOTELS.COM/HOTELS/HOMESTEAD-VIRGINIA/GOLF.

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

At Blue Ridge School, we are experts in how boys learn best. The result is a college prep program that guides boys to reach their full potential in a challenging yet supportive environment. Our academic culture goes beyond the classroom to include qualities such as honor, character, environmental responsibility, and above all—a love of learning. ALL BOYS. ALL BOARDING. ALL COLLEGE BOUND. WWW.B LU E R I DG E SCHOOL.COM

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T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OLD TRAIL

Old Trail Golf Club CROZET, VIRGINIA

Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains just west of Charlottesville, Old Trail Golf Club is a privately owned, public golf club with a lot to offer. The club’s 18-hole championship course (6,667 yards, par-72) was recognized by Golf Advisor as a Golfers’ Choice among the best of Virginia’s public-access golf courses. The course features bentgrass greens and zoysia fairways. It also includes four sets of tees for golfers of all abilities. Practice facilities and the Kandi Comer Golf Academy are also onsite, offering players of all skill levels and ages a variety of instruction options. OLDTRAILGOLF.COM.

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

F IN D YOURS ELF HERE! Dining • Hotel • Sports Club • Spa • Golf • Tennis • Outdoor Recreation With a completely reimagined Mill Room Restaurant, lobby and marquee entrance, Boar’s Head Resort has been reborn as the go-to destination in Charlottesville for modern travelers seeking an experiential getaway to one of America’s most magnificent mountain towns. With our unique focus on wellness, athletics and outdoor activities — alongside exceptional food and beverage — guests are perfectly positioned to have it all. Visit BoarsHeadResort.com and click Instant Rewards to save 15% off our best available room rates.

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SP EC I AL ADV ERT I SI N G SE C T I O N

WINE COUNTRY WEDDINGS

photo by Ameigh Photography

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Cross Keys Barn is a premiere wedding venue nestled in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley just minutes away from Harrisonburg. The sweeping mountain ranges and rolling farm hills that surround the ceremony site give this venue the nickname “The Venue with a View.” Cross Keys Barn provides various spaces for every stage of the event including a scenic ceremony site, unique Stoneroom cocktail area, large open reception area, luxurious bridal suite, a groom’s room, a catering prep room, and multiple modern bathroom facilities. This large renovated bank-barn beautifully combines rustic character and modern elegance. Contact them for a free tour!

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photocourtesy DuCard Vineyards

photo by Sam Stroud Photography

Bluestone Vineyard is nestled atop the rolling hills and gorgeous farmland of Bridgewater that provides 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain ranges. Our stunning vistas and magnificent sunsets only compliment the beauty of your wedding, reception or special event. Here every detail of your special day is just as important to us as it is to you. Why You’ll Love it: Bluestone not only offers a variety of outdoor locations but also an indoor, climate-controlled space with an impressive capacity of 288 guests and a wall of windows that yield a gorgeous view of the mountains.

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Just outside Charlottesville, at a bend in the road at the base of Afton Mountain, you will find Veritas Vineyard & Winery. As you pull into the drive, the 250-acre farm and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains unfold before you, vineyards and vistas setting the scene for a memorable day. This idyllic setting awaits only your personal touch for a truly unique and memorable event. We offer a variety of elegant, neutral spaces, ready to take on the personality of your day. Allow us to transform our spaces to best suit your event and serve as the backdrop to your memories.

With a compelling view of Shenandoah National Park, a mountain stream flowing alongside the patio, and the amazing new LOVE sculpture greeting guests upon their arrival, DuCard provides an unparalleled setting that can meet the needs of the most discerning brides, with a range of indoor and outdoor venues. We provide a fully furnished mountaintop cabin ‘ready room,’ a dedicated facilitator, and a complimentary bottle of personalized DuCard LOVE wine for the bridal party. Why You’ll Love it: Unsurpassed natural beauty, a memorable ‘vibe,’ flexible facilities and a commitment to superior customer service, helping ensure your big day is exceptional.

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T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

The Spring 2020 Issue | THE SOUND

CAROLINA COLLABORATION Bluegrass Aces Steep Canyon Rangers Enlist Asheville Symphony on New Album

BY JEDD FERRIS

N O R T H C A R O L I N Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S S T E E P CANYON RANGERS CONTINUE TO B R OA D E N T H E I R TA K E O N BLUEGRASS MUSIC.

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

Steep Canyon: Songs through the Years “BLUEGRASS BLUES” Name-checking bluegrass greats like Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs and lamenting the tough but irresistible call of the road for a touring musician, this early tune from the band’s 2005 eponymous album sounds like a mission statement to carry tradition forward. “RESCUE ME” A standout from 2012’s Nobody Knows You, which won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album the following year, “Rescue Me” blends progressive newgrass picking with lyrics that call for help during hard times. “RADIO” The title track from the 2015 album of the same name, which was produced by Dobro wizard Jerry Douglas, is a breezy country reflection on the youthful influence of the FM dial. The nostalgic sentiment is uplifted on the version augmented by the Asheville Symphony found on the band’s latest release, Be Still Moses.

ince forming in 2000, the members of North Carolina string band Steep Canyon Rangers have continued to broaden their take on bluegrass. In its early years, the fleet-fingered sextet, which won a Grammy in 2013 for Best Bluegrass Album, seemed intent on being reverently traditional, but as time has passed the group has evolved to incorporate a growing palette of roots music styles. The relatively recent addition of drummer Mike Ashworth has given the western North Carolina-based band’s live shows some added momentum, and in the studio the sextet has embraced outside help from notable producers, including Dobro legend Jerry Douglas, who worked with the band on 2015’s Radio, and prolific singer-songwriter and studio craftsman Joe Henry, who helmed 2018’s Out in the Open, the band’s most cohesive meshing of hard-driving bluegrass with elements country and folk to date. This spring the group will move in yet another new direction with Be Still Moses, an album set to be released on March 6 that features the fast-picking crew enlisting help from the Asheville Symphony to rework some of their best-known tunes. On standouts like “Call the Captain” and “Farmers and Pharaohs” songs grounded in earnest front-porch simplicity are elevated with dramatic swells of strings. The gospel-minded title track—originally found on Nobody Knows You, the album that earned Steep Canyon its Grammy—gets additional new perspective thanks to emotive vocals from Philadelphia soul singers Boyz II Men. The idea for the record was sparked in part by Asheville producer Michael Selverne, who wanted to initiate a cross-genre project between his home city’s symphony and members of its thriving roots-music community. Eager to participate, the members of Steep Canyon saw the pairing as a chance to give old favorites from their back catalog some fresh character. “It was such a cool yet unusual experience to work as a band on a collection of songs we’ve recorded over the years and have performed live hundreds of times,” explained Steep Canyon Rangers’ primary singer/guitarist Woody Platt in a statement about the project. “This brought the songs to a new place with an entirely new life and sound.” Steep Canyon Rangers will celebrate the new release with a hometown show in Asheville, N.C., at the Salvage Station on May 8. The band also hosts its annual Mountain Song Festival in Brevard, N.C., from Sept. 11-13.

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

“OUT IN THE OPEN” The title track to the band’s 2018 studio effort is a refreshing confessional about embracing truth that mingles the dusty swagger of honky-tonk piano with campfire harmonica and a gospel chorus. “GOING MIDWEST” Also from Out in the Open, this stunning, slow-burning ballad, features a spare guitar melody and hearty, earnest narration from lead singer Woody Platt. “CALIFORNIA” A fresh single released earlier this year showcases Steep Canyon’s longstanding partnership with comedic icon Steve Martin. Over a decade ago, Martin, an accomplished banjo player, attended the band’s annual Mountain Song Festival and eventually tapped the group to be his backing band for recordings and performances that blend hot picking with musical comedy.

AN AWARD-WINNING MOUNTAINSIDE VINEYARD AND WINERY • Rose River fly fishing next door • White Oak Canyon hiking around the corner • Live music every Saturday • 10th Anniversary celebrations and new wine release: Memorial Day weekend DUCARDVINEYARDS.COM

Keeping it REEL Fishing, golf, and plenty of outdoors Wade our rivers, float the lakes, or stalk the greens here in Patrick County, Virginia. Picnics at a covered bridge or along the Blue Ridge Parkway, canoe rides, traditional mountain music, artisan studios, local wineries, camping, hiking, mountain biking are just a few of the attractions awaiting you. From the rugged outdoors to 5-star luxury, there is so much to discover in Patrick County. www.visitpatrickcounty.org Photo courtesy Brian Williams S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

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The Spring 2020 Issue | WELL READ

TRAINING BIRD DOGS WITH RONNIE SMITH KENNELS Proven Techniques and an Upland Tradition

REVIEW BY ERIC KALLEN PHOTOS BY BRIAN GROSSENBACHER

THE SMITH TRAINING METHOD IS A PROVEN BIRD-DOG TRAINING S Y S T E M T H AT W O R K S W I T H A N Y TYPE OF BIRD DOG. S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

A DOG WITH A TRAINED M I N D I S W E L L- R O U N D E D A N D W I L L H AV E M O R E OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE HUNTING ENVIRONMENTS THAN AN UNTRAINED DOG.

onnie Smith and Susanna Love have dedicated their lives to training bird dogs and refining a system that enables dogs and their owners to work together in pursuit of upland birds. Smith and Love were raised by families with deep ties to the dog-training community. Love is a fifthgeneration West Texas rancher who grew up training dogs and horses with her mother. Smith hails from one of the most well-established bird-dog training families in the country. Smith’s late father Ronnie Sr. and his uncle Delmar—once dubbed “the World’s Coolest Man” by Field and Stream magazine—laid the foundations for generations of bird-dog trainers with their “Silent Command System” (SCS). It is also known as the “Smith Training Method.” The men introduced SCS in the 1950s. Since then it has been used successfully to train thousands of dogs over the decades. The Smith family still uses SCS; Delmar’s son Rick is also a professional dog trainer, and the family maintains an active training schedule with workshops across the country for dogs and their handlers. Their approach is collaborative and competitive. “As a family, we all watched each other carefully, experimenting and sharing the results of our work with one another,” writes Ronnie Smith. “All the while, we competed against each other both officially and in the familiar way that brothers, fathers, sons and cousins do.” Smith grew up watching his father, uncle and cousins train and trial the best pointing dogs in the world. He quickly realized he wanted to follow in their

footsteps. When Smith and Love married in 2006, they refined a training program for dogs and made certain it could be shared with other dog owners and trainers. The expert duo teamed with sportsman and author Reid Bryant on “Training Bird Dogs with Ronnie Smith Kennels: Proven Techniques and an Upland Tradition” (Universe, October 2019, hardcover). The 256-page book is well suited for your coffee table and field bag. It’s not just a how-to book for dog trainers; the work is more of a training guide than an instructional manual with stunning photography by Brian Grossenbacher. The photographer captures dogs in all development

stages—in training and in the field. “Training Bird Dogs” focuses on the Smith Training Method’s ability to accomplish three points: nurture a dog’s natural ability, teach cues to modify behavior and show handlers how to leverage training to maintain proficiency. Early on, the Smith family learned training the owner is equally important as training the dogs. In the book, Smith recalls how his dad and uncle observed a fundamental challenge: “…the training they’d put into a dog had a tendency to become muddied due to a broken line of communication between owner and dog.” To compensate for this, the

S PR I N G 2020 | T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N

THE SMITH TRAINING METHOD TEACHES YOUR DOG TO MAKE DECISIONS—INCLUDING HEALING ON A LOOSE LEAD.

T H E V I R G I N I A S P O R T S M A N | SPRING 2020

Smith Training Method is designed to institute a more democratic process, one in which dog and trainer work together to achieve a mutually beneficial goal. The book is organized into three parts: “Development,” “Formal Training” and “Becoming a Bird Dog.” These comprehensive sections cover the gamut, including helpful tips on selecting a puppy, training initiation and transitioning to wild birds. “Formal Training” reviews the techniques, tools, and philosophy required to begin and progress a dog through the Smith Training Method. Plus, Grossenbacher’s photos and select illustrations help the reader visualize advanced training concepts. “Training Bird Dogs” is written for a wide

audience—for serious dog trainers looking to glean more insight into their craft, or occasional bird hunters and dog owners who want to enjoy a well-written, beautifully produced book that will also make a fantastic coffee-table decoration. I have a young bird dog and plan to display my copy on the coffee table after it shows a little wear and tear from use in my field bag. Eric Kallen is an avid sportsman who spends his time between homes in Charlottesville, Virginia, the mountains of western North Carolina and the shores of Mobile Bay, Alabama.

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