Outdoors - On the trail

   Over the years, we have developed quite a trail system around the farm. The first trails were made to enable getting into the timber to get firewood. These are wide enough to drive a pick-up or tractor in to get to dead trees and others that needed to be thinned out. As time went by, we connected some of these paths and extended others so we could ride the Ranger around for entertainment and wildlife viewing. More recently, our grandson has extended the trail system to ride his motorcycle. This year’s long project has yielded some interesting consequences. With the canopy of trees opened up and the brush killed back, grass rapidly covers the opened areas. Once established, it is easy to maintain and groom the paths with a couple of passes each year with the brush cutter to keep the grass short and the rose bushes from encroaching.

   Though we have enjoyed the opportunities of being able to ride in places that were inaccessible other than by foot, wildlife use the trails more than we do. Deer and turkeys use these paths to get from one location to another, especially when the grass and brush is wet from dew or rain. Apparently, they do not like getting wet and cold any more than we do. Deer move from one location to another using the trails, even if it not the shortest distance between two points. They graze the mowed grass and browse the brush along the way. Turkeys use the trails also to keep dry and feed. Grasshoppers and assorted other bugs are attracted to the groomed areas which makes a feeding bonanza for the hens to take their young chicks to eat without having to struggle through undergrowth. Hickory nuts and acorns are much easier to find in the fall in these open areas. When the leaves have fallen from the trees, it is interesting to see the leaves raked into piles where deer and turkey have cleared the area looking for nuts. A junction of two or more of these cleared paths is a perfect place to set up a trail camera. I have found one area that acts like the junction of two interstate highways. It is not unusual to get two hundred or more wildlife photos in one week.

   We have only found one disadvantage to our trail system. All the wildlife in the area have decided the trails are theirs. They may or may not get out of the way when people are driving through. It is not a large problem when my wife and I are making a leisurely trip through the woods as we are not moving fast enough to hit anything. Deer are polite enough to move a few feet off to the side to let us go by. If we do not stop, they will wait until we pass and move back into the trail. If we stop to take a picture, they are spooked and take off. Zane, our grandson, is usually moving at a faster pace. I am concerned that one day, a deer will be standing just around a curve and thinking somebody should not be on its path, will stand its ground. This probably would not end well for either Zane or the deer. A turkey to the helmet would also create problems.

   I am willing to share the use of our trails. We all just must watch for animals that are sharing. Since they feel safe and comfortable on the trails, they may not be watching for us.