Author Archives: Dennis Neely: Traditional Woodsman

If I Bargain Hard

The smell of blooming lilacs filled the air. Now and again the fluffy clouds hid the mid-afternoon sun. When it shone, the spring rays warmed my back to the point of sweating. The propane burner uttered a constant, dull, whooshing … Continue reading

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“Wait a while…”

The River Raisin beckons. To the south, the flooded ribbon looks silvery blue, to the north a dull, brownish gray. The broad lily-pad flats seem the dividing line. The air smells of spring’s greening, fresh, clean and leafy. A red-tailed … Continue reading

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Who Are You?

Tiny waves raced to the puddle’s shore. A southwest wind dislodged another drop from a nearby maple branch. More waves followed the little splash in a puddle no bigger than a nice buck’s bed. Catkins hung from a poplar tree. … Continue reading

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Hacked Away Years Ago

Morning sun reflected off the tiny creek. The shiny silver band curled close to the big swamp’s edge, then disappeared in the matted canary grass. Unseen cardinals whit-sued to the south, this side of the watering hole. My moccasins crested … Continue reading

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“Okay, Junior…”

“Gob-obl-obl-obl-obl-obl!” “Kla-whoosh-BOOM!” Silence hung over the clearing for as long as it took the white, sulfurous stench to drift down range and dissipate.  Before I got close, there was no question the fourth turkey was dead. I knelt beside the … Continue reading

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The Powder Horn Blew Up!

“I was very fortunate,” my friend said. His voice betrayed the emotional aftermath he was trying to contain. “You heard the powder horn blew up? I always stress safety. I can’t believe it happened, but it’s got a lot of … Continue reading

Posted in Clothing & Accoutrements, Safety, Worth thinking about... | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

And Yes, I Answer!

“That should be enough,” I said, walking to the truck with two big fistfuls of oak leaves pressed against each other. A cold but gentle northwest breeze dislodged a few strays and sent them fluttering on their way. I dumped … Continue reading

Posted in Research, Turkey Hunts, Wilderness Classroom | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ax Maker?

Can anyone identify who made this ax? I am looking for background information on an ax that I acquired a few years ago. The previous owner knew little of the ax’s history. The head appears to be cast steel, has … Continue reading

Posted in Clothing & Accoutrements | 2 Comments