Brian Dowler and I have several things in common.  We both graduated from Marshall University, we grew up in West Virginia walking behind our outdoor mentors, both are employed in the outdoor industry charged with working with the media, are Board Members of SEOPA (Southeastern Outdoor Press Association), and both have a soft spot for green hills and wild waters.

Recently at a writer’s conference, Brian told me he was spending some time back home chasing turkeys.  My schedule was tight, just returning from the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, but I really wanted to spend time with Brian. 

I invited Brian to stop by my hometown on his way back to South Carolina to spend a day fishing the New River.  He had never fished the New and was excited to float the whitewater West Virginia is famous for.  I booked the trip with Mountain State Anglers and after a short ride to the river, we were together in our home state fishing. 

The river was high and off-colored, but the fish didn’t mind and neither did we.  We boated more smallmouth than most people catch in a year and had an absolute blast! 

Upon our return to Class VI – Mountain River, I couldn’t help but smile thinking of what a great day we had on the water and it how nice it was good to catch up with a friend.  After Brian left, several people asked me, “Did the Turkey Man catch any fish?  Did he have a good time?”

He did and I am looking forward to the next trip.

Brian Dowler is currently employed with the National Wild Turkey Federation and resides in South Carolina. 

To view Brian’s recent blog post, click here.

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