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Articles by M.D. Johnson
The Eagle Outdoors
Digital access for 99¢ your first month. Then $2.99/month. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now Skip to content Incoming Puget Island Fire Chief Dave Basham (right) presents outgoing Chief Mike Beutler with a congratulatory plaque for his 10 years of service in the top position at Beutler’s retirement dinner held on Oct. 22. Photo by M.D. Johnson. I hunted by myself Sunday, Oct. 25. Ducks were my intended pursuit; a quiet tidal marsh the setting.
The Best Hunting Pants for Every Season
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more I’m trying to think back almost 50 years now and remember what make and model of hunting pants I wore as a kid growing up in northeast Ohio. We were rabbit hunters, my father and me, and as such, hunting britches—or as we called them, brush pants—were every bit a part of our fall garb as were socks or clean underwear.
The Best Blind Bags for Keeping Your Hunting Gear Dry and Organized
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more When I started waterfowling in 1974—and back then, it was simply known by the all-inclusive term “duck hunting“—we didn’t have blind bags, the modern day equivalent of carry-on luggage for duck and goose hunters. What we had were pockets. Lots and lots of pockets.
The Eagle Outdoors
Digital access for 99¢ your first month. Then $2.99/month. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now Skip to content A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity yielded this pair of lesser Canada geese for Lebanon, Oregon’s Mike Callian, who not only harvested this unique duo, but did the outstanding taxidermy work as well. Photo by Mike Callian. As a hunter, I spend quite a bit of time outside looking at things. Observation, we’ll call it.
How to Hunt Ducks Over Sheet Water
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS Here today, gone tomorrow. That’s the name of the game when hunting ducks over sheet water. These temporarily flooded areas may last a day, a week, or a little longer, but then it’s gone until the next weather event. Here in the Pacific Northwest, such so-called weather typically comes in the form of heavy seasonal rains. However, extremely high tides along the coast can also raise water levels well above normal.
The Eagle Outdoors
Digital access for 99¢ your first month. Then $2.99/month. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now Skip to content Photographer Mike Callian captured this female goldfinch sitting atop a feeder just outside his Lebanon, Ore., home. It won’t be long before the feeders will be abuzz with avian activity. Are yours ready? Photo courtesy of Mike Callian “It’s October,” said Captain Obvious, and there’s a lot going on in The Great Outdoors. The series of razor clam digs that was scheduled to begin on Friday, Oct.
How To Hunt Lesser Canada Geese With Forrest Carpenter
Living and guiding on the Front Range of Colorado, Forrest Carpenter is not only a talented contest caller, but one of the best all-around goose hunters in the game; especially when it comes to hunting lesser Canadas. (Photo courtesy of Forrest Carpenter.) Published: By M.D. Johnson WILDFOWL Magazine is on a mission to bring you the best goose hunting tips and tactics from pros across the nation. These tips will range from calling advice to scouting how-tos and everything in-between.
The Eagle Outdoors
This truly is ‘the last rose of summer,’ planted by my Pop in front of the house, circa 1972, in Newton Falls, Ohio, where I grew up. She’s dodged the bullet of time, this old house, and I’m happy ‘bout that. Photo by Mick Johnson. October. A fitting time for ghosts. I’m sitting downtown Newton Falls, Ohio, with a population of 4,494, according to the 2026 census. To me, that seems a bit on the big side, though. This is my hometown. The family – Mom, Pop, brother Richard, and I – moved here in ’66.
The Eagle Outdoors
This damp chilly morning, I’m sitting upstairs listening to a raven croak, presumably – or even simply – to let the world know he’s in it. I like that about ravens. I imagine he doesn’t much care if anyone’s hearing what he has to say. “Sing as if no one’s listening. Dance as if no one is watching,” it is said. I like that about birds in general. A sincere ‘thank you’ to all the…
The Eagle Outdoors
In this week’s “Wahkiakum Outdoors,” the writer reflects on a return to an outdoor industry event after a 21-year absence, finding a world transformed by digital media and a younger generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Along the way, he considers the decline of traditional outdoor journalism, shares an alarming statistic about anglers leaving the sport, and issues a simple challenge to readers: take someone fishing.
The Best Duck Calls We’ve Used Over the Years
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more In regards to ducks, duck callers, and duck calling, Nash Buckingham once said, “A duck call in the hands of the unskilled is conservation’s greatest asset.” Mr. Buckingham may be spot on when it comes to poor duck calling being responsible for saving the lives of countless mallards over the last 100 years or so.
The Eagle Outdoors
GWT and BWT – Sometimes, the decoys get in the way of the shot charge. Yes, Virginia, those are pellet holes in the plastic; however, I’m told my friend’s ‘rubber duck’ is still operational. The full story below. Photo courtesy of Phil Bourjaily/Iowa. It finally happened.
The 8 Best Goose Calls for Every Skill Level
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more When it comes to calling geese, Canada geese in particular, I’m awful short of fancy. I’ve heard fancy, know what it sounds like, and hunt with people who can sound like a flock of geese. That said, I can hold my own when it comes to blowing a goose call.
The Eagle Outdoors
Returning from the North Jetty. You know it’s been a good day when it takes two of you - with a pup’s encouragement, of course - to pack the morning’s catch back to the truck. Photo courtesy of Julie Johnson. Do you feel that? It’s coming. It’s in the air. Mornings. Evenings. That “I wonder if she’d like a fire in the woodstove before she wakes up” decision. It’s hard to know. At dawn, it’s 59 degrees in the house. At noon, the digital device above the kitchen sink reads, “81.” It won’t last, though.
Our Favorite Duck Calls for New Hunters
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Your first duck call should be affordable, easy to blow, and, most importantly, sound like a duck. That criteria seems pretty simple, but it’s true. Beginner duck callers shouldn’t be looking for a premium or custom call. Nor should they be trying to blow intricate cadences in the marsh.
6 Tips for Hunting September Geese
FIELD & STREAM NEWSLETTERS ALL F&S NEWSLETTERS Hunt September resident Canada geese during the coolest hours of the day, focus on water sources mid-morning when birds move from feed to loaf, and keep your decoy spread light. Resident birds are savvy and pattern easily, so flexibility and low-pressure setups matter more than volume. Early morning and last legal light produce the most movement. Hunt early mornings and the final hour of legal light when September geese are most active.
The Eagle Outdoors
Ten-year-old Atticus Doolin (center) proudly hoists his first place winning 15.12 pound chinook salmon following check-in at this year’s Warriors & Widows Salmon Derby held Aug. 25-26 at the Elochoman Marina. Tyler Coulter (right) piloted the boat that held the Doolin Family and, apparently, a metric ton of salmon. Photo courtesy of Warriors & Widows Committee. September? Already? Salmon fishing is fixing to get red hot in the tributaries.
The Eagle Outdoors
There was a surprising amount of outdoor ‘goings-on’ this week. I was working on firewood the other day, minding my own business, as – yes – I typically do. I was in the midst of running saw in the middle of an old cold deck, when I felt something burning just below the glove on my right wrist. Ah, yes, a yellow jacket, and he was apparently none too happy that I had disturbed him.… Previous Post Commissioners approve vehicle purchase Next Post Library News
How To Kill More Mallards: Advice From Tony Vandemore
Habitat Flats' co-owner Tony Vandemore knows how to put mallards on the strap. With over four decades of experience, his knowledge of killing greenheads is nearly unrivaled. (Photo courtesy of MD Johnson.) I know there’s a lot of folks out there who kill a bunch of mallards each season. Define “a bunch.” For me, personally, a lot of mallard ducks on the season tally is anywhere north of 100; but mind you, Washington state, my home, offers a 107-day duck season.
Weed of the Week
Eggleaf Spurge Eggleaf spurge, also known as oblong spurge or Balkan spurge, is a Class A weed. This weed is native to Turkey and Southeast Europe and is toxic to humans. It is on the Washington State quarantine list. Eggleaf spurge was first introduced as a garden ornamental and escaped cultivation. It’s closely related to and exhibits invasive and competitive strategies like leafy spurge, which is listed as a Washington State Class B noxious weed.
The Eagle Outdoors
These are the things Gordon F. Walling carried: some old reels still spooled with line of unknown age, plugs, a favorite spoon, a rainbow assortment of corkies and sand dollars. It’s a sentimental addition to an otherwise utilitarian collection. Photo courtesy of M.D. Johnson.
The Eagle Outdoors
The banded alder borer (Rosalia funebris), despite all appearances, is harmless. Minus the nightmares, of course. I’d hate to find this one under the covers at midnight. Photo by M.D. Johnson. Another week and another seven days with quite a bit going on in The Great Outdoors, both here in Wahkiakum County and abroad. A couple weeks back, I noticed an enormous beetle on my most neatly stacked woodpile behind the shop.
The Eagle Outdoors
I’m a little biased, but I’m also awful proud of my wife, Julie, who won ‘Best Bus’ honors for her 1971 Bay Window (Type 2) Volkswagen bus at the recent Dubs Vibes ’26 VW Show at Vancouver Lake on Saturday. Here, Julie accepts her Tool Box Trophy from event organizer Randy Salazar (right), and an obviously rabid VW fan (center) whose name I failed to obtain. Photo by M.D. Johnson. It’s August already, and there’s a lot going on outdoors. Let’s jump right into an all-out speed round, shall we?
Weed of the Week
Purple loosestrife, an invasive Class B noxious weed, produces dense spikes of bright magenta flowers but can rapidly overtake wetlands, crowding out native vegetation and degrading wildlife habitat. Courtesy Photo. Purple Loosestrife Purple Loosestrife is a class B weed native to Europe, Asia, Australia and Northern Africa. This plant is on the Washington State quarantine list. It is not known to be toxic.
The Eagle Outdoors
From the talented mind of Mike Callian comes this week’s outdoor image. “I fish solo a lot,” Mike told me. “Never could figure out how to get a cool pic of fish by myself. (The) tank is a cool option.” In case you’re wondering, yes, the subject was released unharmed. Photo by Mike Callian. Allow me, if you would be so kind, a bit of patience and understanding, for I do not mean to offend nor blaspheme.
The Eagle Outdoors
The sound of … something How long has it been since you sat – quietly, alone, or in the company of a silent companion – and just listened to Mother Nature? Whether it’s been a riverbank, shoreline, backyard, front porch, or pre-dawn driveway in your bathrobe, the location needn’t matter. If it’s been a while, let’s just say I’ve done some listening for you. Just this morning, Abigail the old dog and I, along with…
The Eagle Outdoors
The next generation, an amalgam of perfection and the ultimate work in progress. Wesley Allen Mace and Jazmine were both born in March, albeit three years apart, and are the embodiment of entertainment. Photo by Julia C. Johnson. “Ain’t but three things in this world that’s worth a solitary dime but old dogs and children and watermelon wine.” Those words were written by the late country music artist Tom T. Hall in 1972.
The Eagle Outdoors
The Merwin Day of Fishing / Kids With Disabilities is, to me, a moving event that provides young people of all ability levels the opportunity to spend the day doing what many of us take for granted. Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It’s amazing the things you see outdoors, and the only requirement is to look. Just this morning, I watched as a male Anna’s hummingbird performed his courtship flight for what appeared to be a rather unimpressed female.
Wahkiakum 4-H presents Blalock with scholarship
Wahkiakum 4-H is proud to award Ruth Blalock a scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to continue “making the best better” in the world. Ruth has been a 4-H member for 13 years. She has been active in multiple project areas over the years, including creative arts, poultry, food and nutrition, gardening, needle arts, sheep, sewing, poetry, and robotics.
The Eagle Outdoors
It’s that time, folks. I’m seeing little fawns everywhere around Cathlamet, including in town. Now’s the time to hone those defensive driving skills and, for the love of Pete, pay attention. My next deer burger may depend on it. Photo by M.D. Johnson. It’s July already. Though it’s cliché to say, yes, time sure does seem to be going fast. Perhaps that’s what happens when one turns 62, which I did on June 23.
The Eagle Outdoors
Julie’s Tropicana roses are exceptionally beautiful this year; in part, because they haven’t disappeared down the gullet of one of the neighborhood blacktail deer. Deer problems? Read on for an effective, albeit pungent solution. Photo by M.D. Johnson. It’s 5 o’clock in the morning. There’s a marine layer overhead keeping things cool, as Jesse, the stray cat, makes his way into the camp trailer to sit by ‘his’ silver bowl.
The Eagle Outdoors
Sunday, obviously, was a touch on the warm side; Monday, too. After 18 years in Iowa, and having lived through days when the heat index was 113 degrees and stepping outside was akin to wrapping yourself in a wet wool blanket on the surface of the sun, you’d think I’d be used to these kinds of temperatures. “But it’s a dry heat,” Phoenix, Ariz., residents will tell you. You know what? I understand humidity, but 120 degrees, dry heat or no, is still warm.
The Eagle Outdoors
Eagle Readers, meet Jaz. Jaz, meet The Eagle readership. Ten weeks old and a vat of adrenaline wrapped in badness with a strong desire to chew everything. That’s a puppy! Photo by M.D. Johnson. Puppies are a lot of work, particularly those who believe everything qualifying as creation is something to be chewed, eaten, or otherwise ripped asunder. This list includes – but is definitely not limited to – potted snapdragons, metal twin-seat porch gliders, table legs, flower pots, and canna lilies.
Weed of the week
Wild carrot Wild carrot Wild Carrot, also known as Queen Anne’s lace, is a Weed Class C native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. This weed is not known to be toxic. This is a noxious weed because it competes with native grasses for resources. It can taint milk if dairy cows ingest large amounts. It may be mildly toxic to livestock. It may also cause poor seed production with commercial varieties through hybridization. This plant is also on the Washington State quarantine list.
Weed of the week
Canada thistle is a state-listed noxious weed that spreads aggressively through seeds and underground root systems. Canada Thistle Canada Thistle is a class C noxious weed native to Europe and Asia. This weed is considered noxious because once established, it spreads quickly replacing native plants. It grows in circular patches, spreading vegetatively through roots which can spread 10-12 feet in one season. The numerous seeds from this weed spread through the wind.
The Eagle Outdoors
It’s hard to believe these small, shiny, non-descript black seeds grow up to be the daffodils I truly enjoy seeing each spring. Another mystery solved. Now, onto Bigfoot. Photo by Julie Johnson. I recently told a young friend of mine who’s currently renting a home outside Salem, Ore., a favorite quote of my father’s relating to home ownership. “Well, Michael David,” the ‘Old Man’ said in his typical deadpan manner of speaking.
The Eagle Outdoors
While I’m no Vern Wright or Rene Westbrook, I was pleased with this photograph of an Obscure Bumblebee (Bombus caliginosis) working the flowers of Julie’s California lilac. She’s literally abuzz these days with bees of various species; the lilac, that is, not Julie. Photo by M.D. Johnson. It’s Memorial Day today as I sit down to write this; and, from Julie and me, a very heartfelt moment for all those military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Eagle Outdoors
Fishing tackle need not be extensive nor expensive in order for the venture to be a success. Much of the gear in this tacklebox, including the box, was purchased second-hand at the annual PIGYS Sale on Puget Island, which, incidentally, is a great place to find affordable gear. Photo by Julia Johnson. A couple days back, Julie and I were fishing here locally. We were minding our own business, as we typically do, when a small sedan pulled up.
Weed of the Week
Wild Chervil Wild Chervil is a class B weed native to Europe. This weed is not known to be toxic but is on the Washington State quarantine list. This plant is highly adaptable and will grow in almost any type of soil. It has an aggressive growth habit which quickly creates monocultures. It poses a serious threat to native plants and agriculture. Wild Chervil is an upright biennial or short-lived perennial. It can reach a height of 1 to 3 feet.
Wahkiakum High School senior Leitz appointed to Naval Academy
The following release was provided by Vincent Morris, communications director for Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez celebrated the service academy appointments of 11 students from across Washington’s Third District by hosting a send-off dinner in their honor this week. Earlier this year, Perez nominated each of these students based on their exceptional leadership and their extracurricular and academic accomplishments.
Library presents Sherlock Holmes scavenger hunt
The Rainier City Library invites the community to participate in a Sherlock Holmes-themed scavenger hunt taking place throughout downtown Rainier next week. In celebration of Sherlock Holmes Day, participants will follow a series of clues inspired by the famous detective while visiting several local businesses throughout town. At each location, participants will collect a hidden word and work to solve the final mystery.
The Eagle Outdoors
‘Bubble Artists’ work their magic on the Astoria Docks as part of the annual Mother’s Day opener for the town’s well-loved and incredibly well-attended Farmers Market. If you’ve not been, put it on your To Do List. Photo by M.D. Johnson. May has been an awfully busy month inside, outside, in the gardens, and in the greenhouse. Based on the cord-packing trucks I’ve been noticing, firewood season is in full swing. Turkeys are gobbling, and there are fish to be caught.
Quincy Grange to have rummage sale this weekend
This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 15-17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, the Quincy Grange will be holding a rummage sale at the Grange building on 78314 Rutters Road in Clatskanie. The sale will be run on donation – not pricing – and is open to the public. The kitchen will be open for lunch, coffee, and desserts. Items for sale will include clothing, housewares, small appliances, furniture, exercise equipment, and so much more.
Weed of the Week: Common Tansy & Tansy Ragwort
COMMON TANSY Common Tansy is a class B weed native to Asia and Europe. This invasive weed is toxic to humans & livestock. This is an aromatic perennial with rhizomes, reaching 1 to 5 feet tall, with fern-like foliage and yellow button-like flowers. Common Tansy is generally found along roadsides, waste areas, stream banks and in pastures. This weed reproduces by numerous tufted seeds dispersed by wind and water. Wear gloves when handling plants.
The Eagle Outdoors, May 7, 2026
As a writer for some 34 years now, I will admit there are times – more frequent as I increase in time spent on this big blue orb – when that which spills forth from my skull onto the screen via my fingertips can only be described as random thoughts. Certainly, there are projects possessing a singular direction, a major theme, a specific focus. This, my friends, isn’t one of those times. Spring or, rather, roughly six weeks until June 21 and the summer solstice.
Murray honored with Artist Trust Fellowship
Local resident Ruby Hansen Murray was one of 16 artists across five Washington counties selected for a 2026 Artist Trust Fellowship in the amount of $10,000. This merit-based award is a way to “provide unrestricted support to practicing professional artists of exceptional talent and ability residing in Washington State.” A citizen of the Osage and Cherokee Nations, Murray is a regular culture columnist for the Osage News.
Weed of the Week: Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is a class B weed that is native to Asia. This weed is not known to be toxic. It is on the Washington State quarantine list, which means it is prohibited to transport, buy, sell, offer for sale or distribute plants, plant parts or packets of seed, flower seed blends, or wildflower mixes of quarantined species within the state of Washington. Please see WAC 16-752 for more information on the quarantine list.
Walleye Fisherman Catches a Pending World-Record Pikeminnow — the Native Fish That Has a Bounty On Its Head Original
Bill Saunders is a waterfowl call maker from Kennewick, Washington. But he says his true passion these days is chasing trophy walleyes on the Columbia and Snake Rivers near his home. On April 16, he and his fishing partner, Brent Davis, were out casting swimbaits when they landed a good fish near the confluence of the two rivers. “It hit like a walleye,” Saunders tells Outdoor Life.
The Eagle Outdoors
Five-year old Carson Bortner, grandson of Elochoman Valley residents Brad and Sandra Bortner, proudly displays quite possibly “the biggest fish to ever be pulled from a pond.” Just ask him. I know it’s a cliché, but what I’ve found as I’ve grown older – including such factoids as things that didn’t hurt 20 years ago now hurt and most objects in our universe have gotten heavier – is that I really don’t know where Time gets away to.
Bonding with the Columbia
The following is a guest editorial submitted by Anik St-Martin. The Columbia River innately appears to have the gift of intertwining itself into my DNA like the healthy version of a virus. It contagiously changes my constitution every time I’m fortunate enough to be immersed in it and, when I step back onto land, I immediately begin to miss it. When my husband, Darin, and I began sailing three years ago, we were actively looking for a disruption no longer offered by our dry and cozy lives on land.
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