Hikers vs. Hunters - Opening Weekend, 2017 Western Catskills Big Game Rifle Season

The "Us vs. Them" mentality, pervasive in the 2017 elections, filtered over into the Western Catskills 2017 big game rifle hunting season. 

Wrong vs. Right, You vs. Me ... a common thread, locally and nationally, has zero place in the conversation about the future of hunting, hiking and tourism.

There is room for all of us here.

Charlie Browne and I ventured out to our usual hiking spot, Bear Spring Mountain, a state-managed wildlife preserve in Delaware County, to scope the viability of trail hiking during the one time each year we actually see another person.

This year surpassed the previous 15 years in the number of vehicles parked at public access areas, warning us of out-of-state and out-of-county trophy hunter-hopefuls. 

We stuck close to a state highway, on a parallel trail, hopeful - adorned in blaze orange (and turquoise)- that we would not be mistaken for a deer.

We weren't.

Because of weather.  

Opening day dawned wet and worrisome - freakishly foggy mid-day.

Day two, Sunday, heralded gale force winds  - gusty and snow-tinged, sending nurtured outdoorsmen indoors.

Charlie Browne and I donned our winter wear - me, layered-beneath snow pants and mittens - him-  a blaze orange collar.

Snow-crusted ferns speak  - we listen. 

There is no adversity or analyzing - just acceptance.

Those who weather the weather, gain the most.

*Between hikes, Lillian Browne writes about the environment, politics, crime and business in Delaware County. She is a NYS licensed outdoor adventure guide exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie.