It seems hard to believe, but July 4 usually represents the midpoint of summer. I know the days of summer are ticking away for me and in a little over a month I'll be putting the finishing touches on many of my scouting efforts. I'll be on the hunt by mid-August.

There's been a flurry of tragic, odd and mystifying events taking place in the crossover zone where wildlife and humans meet.

Citizens in Chicago concerned about their safety and lack of legal ability to defend themselves due a nearly three decade ban on handguns, found some solace. The Supreme Court voted five to four today to uphold the right afforded by the Second Amendment and confirmed those rights for all U.S. citizens, including those living in Chicago.

In addition to blogging, I'm now facebooking and tweeting. Who would have thunk it? That's it for now; I have to go back to my tweeting.

Overall, I believe that hunting on TV has brought more awareness to our tradition in a modern format. It shows that hunting is fun, brings meat to the table and offers social interaction in a hunting camp atmosphere.

Finding the perfect horse for our daughter was difficult enough, little did we know getting him home was going to be the most unforgettable chapter of the task.

In the mood for some 4th of July grilling? Maybe not after seeing this photo. Most hunters probably wouldn’t throw venison backstraps on a “grill” like this, but who knows.

The recent tragedy in Arkansas where campers were surprised by a flash flood was horrific and saddening. It also should be a reminder to all of us that the weather is nothing to be ignored. Regardless if you're planning a hunting trip, a camping trip or just a weekend hike, you need to consider the weather and all its consequences.

The next time you have a passing thought that you're a rough and tough character, reflect on this. If trapped, could you cut off your own arm? That alone brings me right back to reality.  

Are you looking for ways to better your hunting area? Who isn’t? Here’s a sound and relatively easy chore to undertake before summer really sets in. Do an inventory of the mast trees on your property and if they don’t seem to be producing as much as you’d like, fertilize them.