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Delayed Harvest Waters & Summer Weather Predictions



Segment 1, May 27, 2023

The Carolina Outdoors, powered by the Charlotte outdoor store, Jesse Brown’s, begins with a busy time in late spring. We are getting towards the end of delayed harvest season.  This program began in the early 1990’s to help promote trout fishing in NC.

The program stocked streams for catch & release fishing from October 1st to the 1st Saturday in June.  The reason the harvest starts in June is because the water in these streams warms too much for trout survival.  Therefore anglers are allowed to keep the fish in June, July, August, & September.

Speaking of warmth, there is meterologist news on the Carolina Outdoors.

Here’s what experts are predicting for this summer’s weather across the US, as Matthew Cappucci writes for The Washington Post:”

“The predictions come from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, but they’re echoed by AccuWeather. Weather.com, meanwhile, is hewing toward a cooler than average start to the summer for the southern U.S., taking a more aggressive stance on the role that a burgeoning El Niño pattern will play.

Overall, a few highlights stood out between the three outlooks:

Chilly water temperatures off the Pacific Coast and soggy soils in California may delay the arrival of brutal heat for the West Coast

The Pacific Northwest is looking hotter and drier than normal

The Plains and perhaps Midwest will see the eventual emergence of above-average temperatures

The jury is out for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, where the varying forecast enterprises have differing opinions

Cooler weather is likely over the southern United States for June due to the position of key weather systems influenced by a budding El Niño

Host Bill Bartee & Producer TJ Boggs think that the weather thus far in spring 2023 matches the weather.com prediction:  “Weather.com believes that the southern U.S. will see a cooler start to summer. The National Weather Service agrees that the start of summer will be cool & the second half of summer will feature heat that will compensate.”

The fly shop in Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s, has a fantastic selection of sun protection clothing to keep you cool and sun-protected.


Coyotes & Hiking in the Heat



Segment 2, May 27, 2023

Remember the spider lilies.  Landsford Canal State Park is the place to see the bloom. It’s only an hour south of Charlotte & full of flowers, good trails, & wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife: Mary Ramsey of the Charlotte Observer reports on the recent NC WIldlife Resource Commission statement.

“‘Coyotes are common throughout North Carolina, including in cities and suburbs,'” and while they’re not very prone to attacking people or pets, incidents can happen. But there are steps you can take to stay safe. Here’s what to know about coyote behavior and how to keep yourself and your pets safe:

ARE COYOTES A DANGER TO HUMANS?
Instances of coyotes attacking humans “are very rare,” the wildlife commission advises.
However, “pup season brings an added factor to interacting with coyotes” because a coyote with vulnerable pups nearby is more likely to stand its ground.
“This time of year, if you pass through a brushy or wooded area and notice a coyote watching you or following you at a distance, it could have a den nearby,” biologist Falyn Owens said in the group’s statement.
“Calmly leave the area and notify others if you are near a public trail.”

HOW TO PROTECT PETS FROM COYOTES Coyotes naturally prey on rodents and can sometimes mistake small pets, including cats and small-breed dogs, as food, the wildlife commission cautions. The group recommends keeping a close eye on pets when outside to reduce the risk of an incident. Other steps you can take to protect your pet include: Keeping pets behind a dog-proof fence that is at least 6 feet tall and prevents digging underneath Keeping pets on leashes or harnesses when outside fenced-in areas Picking up your pet if you see a coyote or suspect one is nearby when outside with your pet Feeding your pets inside and keeping food waste in secure containers Keeping bird seed off the ground, because it “can attract rodents and wildlife that prey on them”

HOW TO HAZE A COYOTE When coyotes “have adapted to urban and suburban environments,” the Humane Society of the United States explains, they are more likely to hang out around populated areas, posing risks to them and people and pets. The group recommends “hazing” — “a method that makes use of deterrents to move an animal out of an area or discourage an undesirable behavior or activity” — as a technique for humanely getting rid of coyotes who’ve become accustomed to people. Hazing methods include:

“Yelling and waving your arms while approaching the coyote” Using noisemakers, such as whistles, air horns, bells, “shaker” cans full of marbles or pennies, pots, lid or pie pans banged together Spraying the coyote with water from a garden hose or a vinegar water mixture Throwing sticks or other items such as tennis balls towards the coyote, but not directly at it.

Also in the news:  A person died hiking a popular trail in the Grand Canyon National Park. Helena Wegner reports on a 36-year old hiking the Bright Angel Trail on May 14th, 2023, was found unresponsive.  They had hiked 8-miles down to the Colorado River & were attempting to hike out in the same day.

Rangers also warned visitors of hiking in hot weather in the coming weeks. Parts of the trail can reach temperatures as high as 120 degrees, including in the shade, officials said. The inner canyon shouldn’t be hiked in the summer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because that’s when hikers report the most heat-related illnesses, park officials said.

When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies can have trouble regulating temperature. In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury.
If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:
Drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.
Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.
Carry a first-aid kit. Pack essentials only.
Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.
Spray yourself with water to cool down.
Have a Tilley hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.
Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.

Plus, Remember Memorial Day
Continue reading Coyotes & Hiking in the Heat


Wildlife in Warmer Weather with Song Dog Wildlife



Segment 3, May 27, 2023

It has been in the news lately.  Bats in high schools, alligator attacks in Florida, bears in the Asheville-area, & snake sightings occurring more frequently.

As the weather warms, we all head for the outdoors.  Whether it is a hiking, fishing, golfing trip, or working in the yard we interact more with wildlife.

Andrew Cole, owner/operator of Song Dog Wildlife Management comes on to the Carolina Outdoor podcast to educate us on what’s happening & what we should do.

We’ll learn that warm weather doesn’t just get us outside.  It starts moving snakes around more.  He’ll talks about identifying them, how to handle them, and a few extraction stories along the way.  After snakes comes the subject of bats, squirrels, & then the namesake of the company, the song dogs, the coyote.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said in a statement that more coyotes are being seen right now because they are out seeking food.  Primarily in order to feed their young litter of pups.  Although they don’t interact with humans much, Cole warns us that coyotes with pups can be unpredictable.

The wildlife commission states, “pup season brings an added factor to interacting with coyotes”.  This time of year, if you pass through a brushy or wooded area and notice a coyote watching you or following you at a distance, it could have a den nearby,” biologist Falyn Owens said in the group’s statement.
“Calmly leave the area and notify others if you are near a public trail.”

Cole has been in business over ten years as the owner of Song Dog Wildlife.  His company deals with nuisance wildlife, prevention, re-entry, & education and consultation.

During the interview, Bill Bartee, host of the Carolina Outdoors, mentioned that there have been several Pepper or Bear Spray phone calls for coyote personal protection.

It never fails that when the weather warms, so do the wildlife sightings.

Bartee interviewed Cole holding a Pepper Spray cannister provided Charlotte fly shop, Jesse Brown’s, while wearing the ever-popular, Patagonia Stand Up Shorts from Jesse Brown’s.

 

 


The Start of the Southpark Fire



Segment 1, May 20th,2023

Bill Bartee, host of the Carolina Outdoors, describes his phone call on Thursday morning (May 18th, 2023).  After arriving to work at Jesse Brown’s, the outdoor store located in the Southpark area of Charlotte.

The caller said, “There’s a lot of smoke coming from your area.  What’s going on?”

Bartee describes his circling the building to find the smoke which quickly accelerated into a large, five-alarm fire.

Jesse Brown’s & the Carolina Outdoors team all wish the best for those affected by this fire tragedy in Southpark.

Flowers, Graduation gift ideas, & the number of people that are biking around the world & a reminder of jet ski & personal watercraft safety as the weather warms.


Graduation Gift Ideas from Christopher Lawing



Segment 2, May 20th, 2023

Graduation is always an exciting time each year. The graduates are ready for whatever exciting future is ahead for them.  That next step. That next job. That next school.

Recently, JB personalities, Angie Marshall & Christopher S. Lawing, did a presentation of graduation gift ideas on both Facebook & Instagram.

These items included a both symbolic & Continue reading Graduation Gift Ideas from Christopher Lawing


Rocky Shoals Spider Lily Bloom with Zack Gross



Segment 3, May 20th, 2023

We have a famous bloom of flowers that happens once a year in the Carolinas.  The reason it is famous?  It is because it is one of the world’s largest blooms of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily.

This plant loves the free-flowing, shallow-water, that is in this part of the Catawba River.

Every mid-May & June, Landsford Canal State Park becomes the epicenter of flower, wildlife, water & history lovers.  This 448-acre SC State Park, located in Chester County is located one hour south of Charlotte.

Park manager, Zack Gross, joins the program to Continue reading Rocky Shoals Spider Lily Bloom with Zack Gross


Show Wrap with Host Bill Bartee



Segment 4, May 20th, 2023 2:18

Recognizing what was discussed on this addition of Highlights of the Carolina Outdoors

  1. Biking numbers in the world
  2. Being safe on your personal watercraft
  3. Graduation Gift Ideas with JB-Personality, Christopher S. Lawing speaks on some great products for a graduate.
  4. LilyFest at the Landsford Canal State Park is covered by Park Manager, Zack Gross.  The event is Sunday, May 21st, 2023, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & the cost is $6.00 for adults

And remember to make the Carolina Outdoors a little bit better than you found it….& pick up your trash!

 


Upcoming Topics



Segment 1, May 13th, 2023

Bill Bartee hosts this edition of the Carolina Outdoors.  His goal is to celebrate the outdoors, the activities, & the people that make it all interesting.  Upcoming are conversations with two outdoor newsmakers.

Alen Baker has worked hard in the outdoor, sporting, & conservation community.  In 2013, he spearheaded the opening of the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians.  We’ll learn what’s happening with the exhibits, the Hall of Fame, & a recent move.

Allyn Morton has attended 38-Trail Days.  This festival in Damascus, VA, celebrates the Appalachian Trail & hiking community.  His nickname is the Fix It Man.  We’ll find out why & we’ll find out where to be on May 18-21st.  Hint:  It’ll be with 20,000 other hike friendly people.

This edition is powered by the Patagonia dealer in Charlotte, Jesse Brown’s

The host wore his midweight long underwear during the taping of this segment.  It would be the go-to for any Philmont Scout Ranch, Moondance Adventure trip, or another exciting camp.


Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians with Alen Baker



Segment 2, May 13th, 2023

There is a fly-fishing hall of fame that opened in the Catskills, NY, back in 1985.  It was opened there because of the rich history that the area had within the sport.

However, the southern Appalachians also have a rich history of fly fishing.  For that reason, in 2013 the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians  (FFMSA) opened.  The first location was in Cherokee, NC.  It soon moved to Bryson City, NC, & recently has relocated beside the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium on Island Street.

Alen Baker was the driving force in the opening of the museum & continues on the Board.  After growing up in the Lenoir-area & working for Duke Energy, he became a leading advocate for fly fishing & conservation.  His work for Trout Unlimited & the NC Wildlife Federation, along with authoring several books have made him a mainstay in the community.

Baker joins the Carolina Outdoors to share the Museum’s place as a center point for education, history, & the arts, as well as the crafts & science of the sport.  Baker describes the goal of capturing the history of fly fishing as “old-timers” pass away & technology changes.

Technology has helped add to the sport & bring new people into it but the Museum’s intent is helping them know the techniques, styles, & people that came before them.

Bill Bartee spoke to Alen Baker with a Winston fly rod in Charlotte just to keep the spirit of the conversation in-style.


Appalachian Trail Days with Allyn Morton



Segment 3, May 13th, 2023

For over thirty-five years-Fix It Man-has held court in Damascus, VA, the week after Mother’s Day, to help AT Thru-Hikers patch, fix, & encourage their outdoor gear to continue the trek to the end.

Allyn Morton is with Eastern Outdoor Sales representing Big Agnes, Crazy Creek, & Bertucci watches but he is also the unofficial mayor of Appalachian Trail Days.  His endearing trail names comes from his volunteering to help the hikers that come to the festival.

He’s seen outdoor equipment change from heavier canvases & steel frames on backpacks to lightweight nylons & carbon fiber.  He’s also seen hiking boots go from being 4 pounds of heavy  leather to now being practically outdoor running shoes.

There are over twenty-thousand people in the hiking community that descend on Damascus on May 18-21, 2023.  The visitors are made up of people that are attempting a 2023 Thru-Hike, a reunion of those who have hiked it before, & thousands of AT volunteers and supporters of the trail.

Games, speakers, raffles, performances, & games are all a part of this festival.  Although Morton states that the stars (Robert Redford & Nick Nolte) of the feature film, A Walk in the Woods, based on the Bill Bryson book of the same name, haven’t made an appearance.

Here’s the full schedule of events at Appalachian Trail Days 2023

The Carolina Outdoors host wore his On Cloud shoes in Charlotte during this interview to represent the fast hikers & then changed over to Asolo Hiking boots in Charlotte half-way through the interview.