We have spent a few days discussing what happened in 2019, but now we are in a new year. This is an exciting time for me.

The first columns of each year are devoted to what each of us, the outdoor-minded people, of the Columbia Basin can do to pay back the outdoors from giving us such a plentiful amount of outdoor activities.

Pick up trash

It is amazing to me how much trash is tossed out of vehicles. Most, if not all, of the people in those vehicles know littering is not a good thing, it is even against the law, but still people continue to throw trash out of vehicle windows.

Shame on them. They provide an unsightly outdoor display with a candy wrapper here and a beer can there, a worm container here and a paper coffee cup there. The combinations are endless, unfortunately, but you can do something about this situation: pick up trash.

My hunting and fishing buddies all think alike. We pick up trash left by inconsiderate people. Our actions are considered “good karma.”

Plus, it is easy to teach the youngsters in your family to pick up trash, such as the candy wrappers. If they get into the habit of grabbing a soda can along the trail, they will most likely carry this practice throughout their life.

There is a caution involved here. All trash is fair game except for two items: diapers and broken glass. Teach the youth to stay away from these items.

A second caution involves the trash picked up on a hunting trip. It is common for me to place the trash in a backpack. However, the placement of the items should be considered. A few soda cans could make noise, rattle, when a hunter wants to be silent.

Pick up the piece of trash when spotted and you will be helping to make the great outdoors a better place.

Teaching others

Teaching outdoor skills to people who have yet to acquire such skills is an important duty. Experienced outdoor-minded people should consider this an obligation and responsibility.

We all know our youth need to be trained, but don’t forget the adults. There are people from 20 to 60 years old and older who have never picked up a fishing rod. Teach those willing how to fish.

Invite a family wanting to learning about camping to a city park and cook a meal on a camp stove. Then show them how to pitch a tent. This would also be a good time to discuss survival skills.

Tomorrow: More ways to give back.