Steve Kynard: Loving Life as an Outdoorsman

Steve Kynard, during a camping trip with Janet Kynard, on an
island near the Lake Martin Dam

 

Since I am now an official contributor of the It Happens in Alabama website with videos and articles, Janet thought I should introduce myself and tell you a bit about me. I was born in Selma, Alabama a little over 60 years ago and, with the exception of a couple of years when I was a toddler, I’ve lived in Alabama all my life. 

 

Since I was old enough to follow my Dad and Grandfather around I have hunted and fished. They taught me safety and how to do many things at a very young age. My grandfather gave me a double barrel 20 gauge shotgun when I was 8 years old. Even at that young age, I used to fill my pockets with shells and with my Grandfathers dog, Boy, go hunting and stay gone most of the day all by myself. 

 

Before some of you freak out at my last sentence, things were very different in those days. Kids were brought up differently.  Sure there were a few Saturday morning cartoons on the old black and white TV but video games and such had not been invented.

Hunting and fishing was what I looked forward to when I wasn't in school. I would go hunting and come home with what squirrels, rabbits and other small wild critters that were unfortunate enough to cross paths with me and Boy. I spent many days fishing by myself, too, when I couldn't get someone to go with me. Sometimes I would come home with more bream and bass than I cared to carry the 1/4 mile back from the old pond that was close to the house. 

Later on, as an adult, I got into tournament bass fishing. Had a great time for about 17 years until the fire went out. I was Angler of the Year in 1996 with Capital City BassMasters. Now, I fish for pure enjoyment and when we do good, I put several bags of fillets in the freezer to feed our friends and family a fish fry whenever we choose. 

I hunt because I enjoy it and the deer meat is a large part of our diet. We only eat pork about once a week, chicken once a week and beef, maybe twice a month. My hunting, these days, is just for deer and hogs. My best buck, a big 10 point is hanging on the wall in our game room. A big wild boar is something that I still haven't had the chance to bring home but hope to remedy that situation sometime soon.

 

My best bass is a guestimated 8 pounds. I have a 7 lb 5 oz on the wall and this one was larger. Heck, it was my bass. I could have called her 9 or 10 if I wanted too, Ha, Haaa.
The only bass we bring home these days are the 1 lb to 2 lb size and any legal crappie and/or catfish that want to follow. All are good fish fry worthy.  

I'll close by saying that at this point of my life it doesn't get much better than a good campsite with family or friends, a campfire going and some fresh caught fish in the hot oil or some deer tenderloins on the grill. You can kick back and just enjoy what nature has to offer. 

I hope you’ll keep checking back to It Happens in Alabama and catch my articles and videos under the Hunting, Fishing and Camping tabs.

Steve Kynard, Co-Editor

Steve@Ithappensinalabama.com