By: Brian G. Schommer What do you do when the publisher of the paper you are writing an outdoors column says, “There has been some interest on the Wisconsin side of the river regarding the column you’ve been writing. Would you be okay with it being in both the Hastings Journal and the Pierce County Journal?” I’m not sure what you would do… I said “sure.” For those of you reading this column for the _rst time,

I will catch you up to speed, which, at the reading level it is written, should not take too long.

As a short introduction, my name is Brian Schommer, which on the Minnesota side of the river is generally pronounced “long O” like, the word “show” with “mer” at the end. In Wisconsin, I would most likely be known as “shoe” with the same “mer” on the end. As a born and raised Minnesotan, i.e. “Mud Duck” with long and strong “Cheddar Head” roots, either pronunciation works. I am not a bona _de outdoors expert of any kind. I am, as

a recent column pointed out, a “Jack of All Trades” and a “Master of None.” I hunt,

_sh, enjoy many other outdoor activities,

have the “gift of gab” (many use other phrases) and I am fortunate enough to be able to articulate things in written word that even a second grader can comprehend. The publisher feels that makes me a good candidate for writing an outdoors column so, who am I to argue? SIDE NOTE: We are looking for a name for the column. If you have thoughts, email them to [email protected] thepaperboy.news and he will make sure they get to the selection committee. The bragging rights will far surpass the prize for the winning entry.

As an opinion/editorial type column, the content will focus more on area opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

There will be columns on _shing

and hunting… and even the consumption of the fruits of the labor that comes with

hunting and _shing. If these types of stories bother you, there will be no offense if you don’t read the column that week. There will also be columns about the various trail systems in the area for hiking and biking, gol_ng, camping, snowmobiling,

et cetera… it is all about getting outdoors. As a columnist, I write more for entertainment value than I do about reporting the area hot spots, providing tips on gear, tackle or the hottest new products. While some of these types of tips may be shared on occasion, again, I am only an avid fan of the outdoors and the activities provided, not an expert. Whether it’s on the Mississippi or St. Croix, those who _sh the area

often RARELY tell the truth about the hot

spots or, for that matter, the size of the _sh

they are supposedly catching.

To the new readers in Wisconsin: There will be a few “digs” here and there when it comes to rivalries such as the Gophers and Badgers, Vikings and Packers, Wild and… oh wait, no professional hockey in Wisconsin. Being born and raised on the right side… I mean Minnesota side of the river, please know from the start that I mean absolutely no offense to any of my family and friends on the other side. Like the column in general, it’s written in good fun and humor. All of us Vikings fans realize that we do not have any Super Bowl trophies here. It’s not like you “Cheesers” don’t tell us every chance you get. I mean, how many Packer fans does it take to change a light bulb? You will

have to _nish reading the column to get

the answer.

I encourage you to share things about places to experience the great outdoors on the Wisconsin side of the river. I would love to come over and explore. I have several family members over there that hunt and _sh. I will be picking their

brains from time to time about how things are going in the woods, streams, rivers and lakes in the land of cheese and beer; two things I very much appreciate. We have talked about doing some “send your photos” in of your successful hunts and _shing excursions, so stay tuned. If you have some recommendations on area camping or other outdoor activities, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Don’t worry Hastings area people… there is no way I will be changing any of my loyal af_liations. I will always bleed

Blue and Gold, except on Saturday when the Blue turns to Maroon and, that Maroon turns Purple on Sundays. The ONLY time you will see me wearing any Green and Gold will be the Green and Vegas Gold of the Hastings Hawks. Going regional in respect to the column serves as a reminder that, when we have different views, opinions and beliefs than someone else, it is okay to respect that other person’s perspective. As always, get out and enjoy the great outdoors. P.S. The answer is 4… one to change the lightbulb and three to tell EVERYONE how GREAT the old lightbulb was.