Happy 70th Birthday, Dave Richey

Today is the 70th birthday of my good friend and esteemed colleague Dave Richey, of Traverse City, MI.

Dave has more awards - on the wall, table and in the outdoor writer awards books - than just about anyone else who has ever tackled the business as a full time - Outdoor Writer. His efforts have garnered him accolades and admiration from around the world of Outdoor Communications. But none of these acknowledgments mean as much to Dave as knowing the dozens of names - of current and past - outdoor writers whom he has had a hand in guiding.

Dave's greatest level of success is found in the lives of the dozens of outdoor communicators whom he and his talented and charming wife, Kay, have helped; to nurture, tutor, hand-hold, guide, direct and at times, swift-kicked into action, over the last 45 years.

If you've ever read a Dave Richey story [newspaper, magazine, book or guide] send him a Happy Birthday email!

If you've ever fished for salmon or steelhead in a tributary of the Great Lakes, send him a 'Thank You' & 'Happy BDay' - for he and his late-brother George - got it all started many, many runs ago.

If you've ever read an Outdoor related newspaper or magazine article; watched on TV or listened on radio, to the reporting of an outdoor experience that inspired, instructed, cajoled, cooed or concerned you, send him a 'Hearty Thank You' and 'Happy BDay' email.

For Dave Richey is the reigning Mentor to Outdoor Writers and Communicators. Yes, you can find others with more books published, or greater celebrity status and far more money stuffed into bank accounts. But, only a mere handful of them, have any trace of the [Hu] in their resume. Dave's is laden, brimming over, with the successes of professional and personal stories directed and guided by his influence.

Were it not for his tireless efforts on paper, with manufacturers, guides, state and federal agencies - whether at a conference, show or in-the-field, many of today's successful and important Outdoor Communicators just wouldn't be there. They wouldn't even have a place to work.

We ALL owe this quiet, down-to-earth, practicing hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman and crafter of fine prose - a deep 'Thank You!' of sincere gratitude.

PLEASE, join me, along with hundreds of others in wishing Dave Richey a warm and pleasant,

"Happy 70th Birthday!"

I will thank you in advance. Because I know many of you will do so. That's just the kind of folks outdoors people are.
O'fieldstream

[Hu]= Human Element

Words of Wisdom ...

My good friend and colleague, Dave Richey has been 'off-line' for a while, as his blog was being rebuilt. He's now back in the saddle and riding as straight as ever.

His first blog in weeks demonstrates that when you're 'hot' - you're hot! No time away, no matter how aggravating to him, dampened, nor burred his writing edge.

This is not only classic Richey writing, but it's just good sense. Real good sense. And since Dave is a living example of both tenacity, talent and tested in said topic - his words are very well worth reading ... and heading close attention to.

Read Dave's latest piece, Never Take Your Vision for Granted and dip into the dozens of other postings on his newly updated site at Outdoors With Dave Richey. And to keep up on his move into the New Media horizon, keep an eye on his new web site, too: Dave Richey OUTDOORS.

Following Dave's good sense advice, we should - as well - never take for granted the availability of such good writing as found in every Dave Richey article and post.

O'fieldstream

PS... Dave has a regular gig now, writing the Sunday column for the Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle newspaper. If you don't subscribe to the TR Record-Eagle, you can catch his article and links to his blog on the paper's website. Dave pieces are under: Outdoors. Dave is the Outdoor/Local Columnist for the Record-Eagle.

O'fieldstream Meets Dave Richey

The past week I ventured north of my normal parallel, to the lands of the tip of the mitten in lower Michigan; not to be confused with the UP - that would be the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I stopped just south of that fair land to venture near the near southern shores of Gichigoomi ... near the beautiful little town on north shores of Lake Michigan, called Traverse City.

My mission was to meet up with, spend a few days with and lend a hand to a legendary wordsmith of outdoor writing, literature and sage advice on all things natural and otherwise outdoors. This legend also happens to be a very good friend and collegue in the Outdoor Writers Association of America. This sage outdoor writer is none other than one of outdoor writings humble and gracious giants: Dave Richey.

Here is a short interview, on some random topics, with the venerate Wordsmith of Michigan.

O'fieldstream: So, Dave, if we were to go afield today for - say, Pike - where would we go and what would be your choice of bait?

Dave Richey: If we would be fishing, it would be in nearby Green Lake. My choice of fishing lures is the old-time red-and-white Dardevle, a proven pike lure. We would surely get into some very nice fish just before sundown. Demonstrating once again the trusty Dardevle's beastly prowess would prove to save the day.

O'fieldstream: But, alas this was a business trip and we are indoors for the duration. The next time I come up we will have to get outdoors. So, with fall hunting season barreling down upon us, what do you have planned for this years fall deer hunt?

Dave Richey: We had a neighbor boy dig us a shooting pit not 100 yards from the back door. It's deep and large enough to accommodate complete concealment and freedom of shooting. The target distance is within an easy 20 yards. We had to cut trees out for our satellite hook-up, so I decided to convert the open area to deer forage. We planted clover and wild beets. It's amazing how much they've grown in the short time. We expect to see deer moving through any day now.

O'fieldstream: I walked that 'plot' with you today and it looks really good. So, what are your chances for a deer in there?
Dave Richey: Well, if the deer comes through, I or Kay will get the deer. In thirty-one years of hunting I've only needed one shot to kill, with a bow or gun, every deer I've hit. But, we'll have to see if the deer choose to walk the 'path' first.

O'fieldstream: You all have had some nice rains up here in the upper Michigan Thumb over the past couple of weeks. Have the salmon begun to move? And how do you fish for them?

Dave Richey: Yes we have; much needed, too. It's been a very dry here in this section of Michigan - as it has been in many places around the country. As to the salmon, yes, they have begun to move. As you know, if you were not leaving on Wednesday we could take advantage of a slot on the Bessie River. I will be fishing there on Thursday. We will use the regular compliment. Near the mouth we use the spawn-sack bait. It's highly effective and is not intended to offer anything but harvest as a result of catching the fish. But this year I want to test out and develop a method for taking salmon, further up the river, on a dry fly. It will be difficult but I believe it will also be a great addition to the fun of the season.

O'fieldstream: Wow! Trib driven salmon on the dry. Now, that would be a noted accomplishment. Not only do I want to see it - I want to do that, too!

More on this interview later.

[Update: Sixteen salmon succumb to Dave's and companions presentations on their day on the Bessie. A joyful start to what will be a fine season of fishing.]

There is one cloud though, still hanging over Dave's fishing season this year - and every season for years to come.
Four years ago, on 10 September 2003, Dave's twin brother, George Richey, a noted fisherman, entrepreneur and outdoor writer in his own right, succumb to cancer. Dave lost his best friend and closest outdoor companion. He still misses George dearly, but he continues to hunt and fish with the memory of George by his side; in each and every season.

So, if you're dealing with such a loss, take a lead from Dave, there is no better commemorative that you can bequeath to your loved one's memory, than to keep the Heritage alive. Go fishing, hunting or whatever outdoor activity you do and be sure to Pass It On to a younger member of your neighborhood, family or friends. Passing on the love for our Outdoor Heritage is, to be sure, one of the finest gifts you can give in the memory of your lost companion.

Happy days afield or stream ... enjoy each day- no more will be added than those you spend afield or stream.

O'fieldstream