Backcountry Beat, July 2021
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Friend —
We came, we saw, we mustered!
I’m fresh off my first trip on an airplane in 16 months to West Kill, New York, for Muster in the Mountains. The venue was amazing, the surrounding public lands inviting, and the plotting and scheming that lasted far into the night … bucket filling.
Thanks to those who traveled from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and even all the way from Ohio. The people truly made this event! Thanks to West Kill Brewing for hosting. Thanks to those who led seminars on foraging, fly casting, turkey calling and hunting from a saddle … no, not the one atop a quarter horse. A huge thanks to all the volunteer leaders, especially those from New York, who made it all happen.
One of my favorite Muster moments came when a big storm rolled in. Not only were we swamped with a deluge of rain; the power went out. In true BHA fashion, everyone put on raincoats, battened down the hatches, and weathered the storm together. Not a cross word from anyone. I came away with a better appreciation for the place, the people and the fire that burns within all who showed up.
I know this isn’t unique to the region. As we all ramp up in-person events, revel in the fact that we can double down on our public lands and waters that give us so much. To those who were in attendance, I expect big things and can’t wait to revel in your badassery at the next Muster…you all have the tiger by the tail!
Land Tawney
President/CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
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