Capt. Mark East’s Advice to the Careworn, Confused, Lovelorn and Other Outdoor People

 

Dear Capt. East,
I have a daughter, 11 years old, whose sole ambition in life seems to be fishing, It’s all she talks about. About rods, lures, when are we going next. I’ve subscribed to 4 fishing magazines for her. She cleared the doll stage when she was four after catching her first Smallmouth Bass. Her mother and I divorced when she was seven and my ex never really cared about the outdoors. I’m beginning to worry about her, not to mention pressure from the ex about all the trips we take and time she doesn’t want to spend with her mother.
Signed, Daughter Concerned
 
Dear Daughter Concerned,
I don’t pretend to be a psychologist or a child guidance guru, lord knows I’ve had some shaky times with my families and wives. However, reading your letter, I can only wonder how some guys get all the luck. Several of my offspring enjoy the outdoors, so guess I did something right, but none to the extent you write about. My advice would be to encourage good grades, introduce her to LL Bean’s and Eddie Bauer’s. Have her start writing about her experiences. Perhaps she’ll be supporting you in your old age and inviting you along for fishing trips around the world.
 



Dear Cap’n Mark,
I’m beginning to get really concerned about something. I’ve been going to our local sporting goods store here in Georgia trying to buy .22 shells so I can take my grandson out to do a little plinking and target practice. The store owner says he’s out of most ammunition and is limited as to how much he can get.
Signed, The Old Plinker
 
Dear Old Plinker,
Yes, it’s become a real problem for all shooters and hunters since this last election which I’m sure you may have read about. This compounded by the terrible tragedy in Newtown. Guns and ammunition sales have skyrocketed, forcing more and more reloading of shells--impossible of course with rim fire .22’s. The owner of the sports shop I frequent tells me he’s been rationed to how many he can order and sells out immediately when the shipment comes in. There’s a lot of fear and concern for our safety and our gun rights. Good Luck 

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