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Not many people on the planet could have predicted the tribulations that would occur in the first four months of 2020. World leaders, citizens and companies have all been pushed to new extremes in unprecedented ways.

The residents of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, have come together to create funds for those who work in the service industry, which has been hit incredibly hard with little to no tourism.

Hole Food Rescue
Fresh

Beckett Maher, 14 years of age who is an avid angler and hunter found his way to give back. He is also the son of Macye and Alex Maher. He works at the Hole Grocer and thought of those in need when the meat sections of the local grocery stores went bare.

He did not hesitate when he thought about his extra game meat from the 2019 season. Beckett harvested an elk and antelope during his hunts with his Dad, so he checked the deep freezer and selected multiple pounds of frozen meat to donate to the Jackson Hole Food Rescue.

Fresh Yummy Dish
Fresh Yummy Dish

“My drive comes from being out in nature, which I love but also knowing that I can put food on my family’s table as a reward for my hard work in the woods,” said Beckett. Alex passed his passion for harvesting large game to his son at a young age, and hunting is an activity they take part in each fall.

Alex shares his secrets to making his game meat bring out the most flavor for those sharing the dinner table with him, “for the steaks, I’ll usually thaw them overnight then marinate them in raspberry vinaigrette and Worcestershire for 2-3 days, which really softens the meat. On ducks, the Soy Vay teriyaki marinade works well. For pheasant, marinate in chipotle BBQ.”

Grilled Patty
Griller

Reilly Dillon, the Digital Content Manager, finds a special enjoyment from the antelope burger meat. To make the perfect cheeseburger he adds black pepper, garlic salt, mustard and basil.

Beckett got the idea of “helping out your neighbor” from his Mom who thought it would be amazing to share their family’s bounty. After dropping the game supply, Beckett said, “I find that it is important to do your part because when you are in times that are hard, others help you out.” This idea reigns true in Teton County, Wyoming as we treat our neighbors as family, and we bring elk and antelope to others so they may nourish with a delicious meal.

Food will always be a great resource to bring people together. In the times of Covid-19 we will take any opportunity to help our neighbors, wishing we could all be together at a crowded table.

When in isolation the mind can often wander, and for many people the arts play a large role in entertaining ourselves. Novels, podcasts, movies, magazines and TV shows are all ways that are meant for the mind to elude into another reality.

The restrictions around the country for shelter in place allows for time to catch up on the mediums that we normally do not have time for. Please enjoy the list of podcasts, novels, magazines and movies which we hope bring solace to these trying times.

The Live Water marketing team came up with a few of our favorites, which will hopefully inspire a few folks to pick up one of these.

Macye Maher, the CFO/ owner, often calls the rivers and creeks home during the summer months in Jackson Hole, WY. She is an author herself and loves reading novels about the streams and rivers she is passionate about.

The River Why – David Duncan

Augustine nicknamed “Gus,” was born into a family who called fishing their happy place. His Ma was a master of the bait-and-hook-style of fishing while his Father devoted his time on the water to the fly style. This rivalry between his parents lead Gus to moving away once his schooling was completed.

Gus sets up a life where he scheduled his days to maximize time on the rivers and kept an exact log for all the fish he caught. In his new life, he comes across a dead angler which pushed Gus to reevaluate life. When this happened, it encouraged Gus to reach out and befriend the people around him.

In 2010, a film adaptation was created, and the following link provides the trailer:

Reilly Dillon, the Digital Content Manager, hails from the land of 10,000 lakes – also known as Minnesota. Growing up in the North Star State, he often read authors who also called Minnesota home. The first being a story which he claims to be the beginning of his obsession with the outdoors.

Hatchet – Gary Paulson

Brian Robeson finds himself traveling from New York City to the north woods of Canada to visit his father after his parents’ recent divorce. During the flight from NYC the pilot gives Brian a brief lesson on how to fly the plane and controls the plane until the pilot takes back over. In the coming minutes, the pilot has a heart attack and passes away mid-flight. Brian manages to land the plane in a lake in the middle of the northern woods of Canada.

This epic coming of age tale of Brian Robeson who is 13 years old, finds himself in the middle of the Canadian wilderness with his clothing, frayed raincoat and hatchet, which was a gift from his mother for his trip. The story shows his struggles of adjusting to his new environment with shelter, food and protection from wildlife.

Gary Paulsen, an American author, who is best known for his coming of age stories. Many of his subjects experience peculiar events in the wilderness and his character’s actions demonstrate their personalities.

The Big Year – Mark Obmascik

Year in and year out, there are groups of individuals of all ethnicities that travel the globe to take photos of our friends in the air with two wings. The Big Year, follows these people around for a year, which depicts the lengths that folks are willing to go, to capture photos of their favorite birds. A few of the characters struggle with their professional workload, their relationships at home and the cost of traveling the world.

With the classic day to day life problems covered, what else could go wrong; weather always cooperates, birds love to pose and hardly fly away just before the focus is right. Not to mention that from time to time, humans grow a competitive nature when a competition begins.

In 2011, a film adaptation of the novel appeared on the big screen with an all-star cast which included Jack Black, Steve Martin and Owen Wilson. Trailer:

A Land Remembered – Patrick Smith

A novel that she will not allow dust to gather on is A Land Remembered, which tells the tale of early Florida settlers and their interaction with the land. Native Floridians will be familiar with many of these areas mentioned and will feel a deep connection to this novel.

When Della is not in the office, she often finds herself in her car traveling to the barn and photographing the wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Podcasts can be heard playing through her speakers and the following are few of her favorites.

The Mountain and Prairie

The Mountain and Prairie podcast spotlights the innovative and creative individuals who are helping to shape the future of the American West. For those that were not born in the west, Mountain and Prairie is a great source to learn more about the western lifestyle and hear many stories of individuals who impact the western community.

Into the Wild

Topics are wide and ranging with a backbone centered on conservation in the podcast, Into the Wild. The conservation ideas touch on material with hunting, fishing, expeditions, environmental and wildlife management. This is a podcast for everyone who enjoys the great outdoors in all forms.

Modern Huntsman

Her favorite magazine, Modern Huntsman, publishes a biannual publication for like-minded conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts. From cover to cover it highlights some extraordinary craftsmen, artists and hunters within the outdoor community. The photography content in Modern Huntsman is what really makes this magazine stand out from other outdoor publications.

Living in a small town, one thing we have always seen in tough times is that in the midst of storms and trials, small communities rally around their people. Whether it be a benefit for a cancer patient, a fundraiser for a sick child, or food drives, our small communities are here to support. Thus far, 2020 has been full of trying times around the world. Times like these are when the human race must come together to support the ones most affected by Covid-19.

When the present seems dark, there is always a light that shines through to give hope that the end of the tunnel can be reached. The Covid-19 closures around the world have affected people from building cars, serving their favorite cocktail and have left students of all ages learning through a computer screen. Nurses and doctors have become the ones on the front line protecting the most vulnerable.

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The light at the end of the tunnel are people around the globe coming up with creative and efficient ways to help populations that need it most. These moments of clarity and positivity are what people need to also read in the news to show that we are strong when we work together.

In our headquarter town of Jackson Hole, the local schools have set up a program where students are allowed to swing by and pick up their lunch. “We have hundreds of kids who rely on school meals to meet their daily needs,” Executive Director of Teton County Education Foundation, Jennifer Jellen said. “We need to be absolutely certain that support continues, ” Jackson Hole News and Guide. These efforts are made possible by local volunteers who prep, package and deliver these meals to children of all socioeconomic levels.

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At Live Water Properties, we are thankful to have agents around this great country and with that we are all involved in small towns and cities during these ambiguous times. Many of the towns that Live Water has offices in are tourist and resort communities which have been hit exceptionally hard. We know many of our clients want to help in these communities and listed below are resources on how to give back to the local communities.

Jackson Hole, WY

In Jackson Hole there has been many efforts to support the hospitality workers, children and the elderly. – https://www.one22jh.org/

The link provides an option for donating money for those struggling to pay bills, loans and rent.

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Missoula, MT

Tom Hilley and Dan Mahoney, head our office in Missoula, Montana which is a vibrant college town. Many people are out of work with restaurant closings and the link provides ways to donate time and money back to the community of Missoula, Montana.

https://www.missoulaunitedway.org/emergency-assistance

Bozeman, MT

Bozeman, the other main college town in Montana sees many of the same threats that Missoula is facing. The, Greater Gallatin United Way, are calling for “the not at-risk population” volunteers for their leadership.

https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/southwest-montana-covid-19-response-fund

The precarious times are troubling for everyone around the planet. This level of uncertainty leaves people on edge and there needs to be a reminder that we will get through this, together. One message reigns true for humans around the map, stay home and help how one can.

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Driggs, ID

The state of Idaho has been placed on “stay at home” measures to combat the spread of Covid-19. The community in Teton Valley, Idaho are strong folks, but the Teton Valley nonprofit community offers ways to help those in need.

https://cftetonvalley.org/community-emergency-response-fund/

Denver, CO

In Colorado, the mountain towns were the first affected by Covid-19. Naturally, it was only time before Covid-19 reached Denver. This is the largest city where we have an office and there are plenty of ways to help the thriving and large metropolis.

http://www.denverfoundation.org/Community/Impact-Areas/Critical-Needs

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Covid-19 Relief 10

Bend, OR

The state of Oregon is home to three of our brokers and who are very close to a hot bed of Covid-19 outbreaks in Seattle, Washington. The following link is a way to give back to the Bend, OR area and other communities affected around the state of Oregon.

https://oregon-coronavirus-geo.hub.arcgis.com/

Charleston, SC

Our newest office of Live Water Southern located in Charleston, South Carolina are now on a two week “stay at home” clause. “By pooling our resources now to support those most affected, our region will be better equipped to respond quickly and sustain that response over the duration of this crisis.”

https://coastalcommunityfoundation.org/special-initiatives/covid-19-relief-recovery-fund/

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If funds are tight, there are other options for helping folks in need. In Jackson Hole, Hole Food Rescue (https://www.holefoodrescue.org/), is accepting harvested game meat. For those, that harvest elk, deer or any type of bird, this is a fantastic way to clear out the freezer and give back.

Hospitals around the country have volunteers that our donating their time to create masks for the nurses and doctors on the front line. Around the state of Montana, there are people donating their time to create medical masks out of 3D Printers and sewing machines. (https://www.mtpr.org/post/volunteers-sew-3d-print-masks-meet-montana-need)

There are innumerable reasons we all love our family’s farms, ranches, plantations, timberlands, and even 40 to 60 acre tracts. There are miles to hike, walk, ride, bike or drive. There are waters to fish, game to hunt and of course, countless projects that need to get done. But best of all, there’s space, fresh air and a healthy place to sequester and be content with being there.

Now enter the new normal: this world of social distancing. Here’s what I’ve experienced. I love my family immeasurably, HOWEVER here we are…all together…for a while. May I say that a little social distance from one or another of them is vital to our enjoying being a family. Here’s what I’ve seen: somehow it is sport (and great entertainment) for one sibling to watch another get annoyed, which, in turn, drives parents or other family members berserk … which generously leads to a larger, more universal annoyance level family-wide. It’s called cabin fever, and it is powerful. It can be as simple as one sibling breathing loudly on purpose simply to make another insane. Or maybe just the way one yawns begins to annoy another. Now that’s with children; the picking can be far more sophisticated and potentially damaging the older the family members are. Sound at all familiar?

Giant Fish
Bonfire

Dog in the middle of trees
Horse backriding

I grew up with three brothers on the South Carolina farm where I’m sitting and reflecting right now. Our property is graced with acres of timber and open fields, a long stretch of river frontage, some fresh water ponds, and even a direct 15 minute boat ride to the Atlantic. Little did my father know when he purchased the property all those years ago that it would become a safe haven from a global pandemic. It’s far from just a safe haven, it’s more like a safe heaven. The kids and their cousins do their school work and then run freely for hours outside – where there’s enough space that they’re not picking, they’re playing. My siblings and their 20-30 year old sons and daughters are also here. We’re doing our best to avoid the grocery store with food from the garden and game from the freezer. We’re working on farm projects that have been put aside because there was never enough time. There are turkey hunts, trail rides, fishing, boating, and hey, it’s even soft shell crab season.

Dog beside the river
Owner love his pet

Everyone is active, even busy. In a time so incredibly uncertain, there’s a calm here, and we have this property and my dad’s vision for his legacy to thank for that. And here at Live Water Properties, we are hearing many stories from other landowners we know. The theme is the same: our property has given us space, activities, and a way to enjoy life as a family in this strange time of social distancing. It’s rewarding for us as brokers to hear from them as they share what we’re experiencing ourselves: land ownership these days has become far more rewarding than any of us could have ever considered.

With the passing of the State of the Union address, we assess the “State of the Wild Turkey” in anticipation of turkey season starting in my home Sunshine State of Florida on March 7, 2020. Coincidentally, one of the newest states for Live Water Southern, South Carolina, is where a significant discovery and set of events would unfold that would make turkey hunting in Florida and the spring anticipation of turkey hunters across the United States possible.

In the late 1950s, the “State of the Wild Turkey” was almost extinct. Populations were in severe distress in most states from overhunting and habitat loss. Wild turkeys had disappeared from 18 of 39 original states by 1920. The population had decreased from a peak of 10 million birds to 200,000 to 300,000 birds by 1930 to1940. *

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“The Greatest Conservation Success Story”

However, in 1951, on the 6,880-acre Waterhorn Unit of the Francis Marion National Forest near Charleston, South Carolina, Herman (Duff) Holbrook (a turkey hunter and a wildlife biologist with the United States Forest Service) became the first person to catch wild turkeys successfully using a cannon-fired net, originally designed to capture waterfowl. By 1957, Holbrook had used the canon net to capture 241 eastern wild turkeys. These birds were released in eight major locations in South Carolina. This remarkable technique for capturing wild turkeys and relocating them across their historic range set in motion what is widely regarded as the greatest conservation success story in the history of the United States.

Rob Keck, a friend, and turkey hunting enthusiast began his career with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in February of 1978. He currently says, “The return of the wild turkey in North America is nothing short of amazing…and that can be said for the restoration efforts here in South Carolina. The SC Wildlife and Marine Resources Department as it was known back in the ’70s made an all-out effort of trapping and transferring birds throughout the state from the original and last remnant flocks found in the Francis Marion National Forest. The NWTF and its state and local chapters played a supporting role in providing rocket nets, transport boxes, manpower and money to support those efforts.”

With the support of groups like the NWTF working with state and federal wildlife agencies, the wild turkey today has returned to all of its historic range and has exceeded that range to be found in huntable populations in 49 of the 50 states with a population of just over 6 million birds. For this, turkey hunters in Florida and across this great country are eternally grateful. Without it, we would likely not be hunting turkeys at all this spring.

The “State of the Wild Turkey” Today

Today, following a tremendous expansion of both wild turkey populations and turkey hunting participation in the United States (there are approximately 2.5 million turkey hunters today), we can make these important observations:

State of the Wild Turkey 3

1. Turkey habitat is in really good shape.

Turkeys benefit from being highly adaptable in the types of habitat they occupy. Consolidation of family farms into more intensive and expansive commercial operations has hurt some, but overall turkeys have what they need to maintain a high population in the Southeast. They benefit from the many different land uses in existence today. In addition to being highly flexible, the growing interest in hunting wild turkeys has promoted the interest of managing land for wild turkeys. Across the Southeast, Farms and Plantations are paying special attention to how to establish and grow populations of wild turkeys on their land.

In fact, Jay Walea, land manager at Palmetto Bluff and adjoining WalCam Holdings, describes them as an “umbrella species”, meaning that when a manager manages land for the benefit of wild turkeys most all other species benefit and grow. These two factors have led to excellent turkey habitat across all three Southern states – Georgia, Florida and South Carolina – where Live Water Southern currently sells and manages land and a healthy population of wild turkeys in 49 of 50 states.

2. Is the recent downturn in population an anomaly or trend?

Turkey habitat appears to be well established and improving, but our turkey population has had an overall downward trend over the last ten years in the Southeast. Why is this? Walea and a group of researchers in South Carolina have generated ideas. Hunting pressure and the way we hunt turkeys is getting a careful look with new insights on turkey breeding behavior shedding light on a previously held belief. It was long thought that when a hunter harvested a mature dominant gobbler other sub-dominant gobblers would step in to breed available hens thus ensuring adequate breeding for the following year. However, our population is experiencing this downward trend, which coincides with the increased popularity of turkey hunting. This led Walea and his group to take a closer look at this long-held belief that other “toms” will step in and fill a dominant “tom’s” shoes. They found that all of the hens are not being bred when a mature gobbler is removed early in the season and that sub-dominant gobblers do not begin breeding until the following year after a dominant gobbler is removed. They may gobble and strut but rarely breed.

This led South Carolina to change the season structure in the hopes of reducing harvest of mature birds before they have had the chance to do any or significant breeding with the hopes of having more hens being bred and a better hatch for the upcoming year. Jay took the experimental step of not hunting for a year at Palmetto Bluff and saw excellent recruitment (a hen’s success in nesting and hatching poults) after two down years in a row where they hunted as normal. This is a bold management step, but one practical step as a result of this new research is to identify the mature “tom” or “toms” in the areas one hunts and to try to delay harvesting these mature birds until later in the hunting season, if possible, to ensure the breeding of more hens. Turkeys are not near as easily aged as say Whitetail bucks, but it is fairly evident when a bird is observed strutting with five to ten hens while other gobblers remain off to the side in a field or completely out of sight that this would be the mature gobbler. Astute hunters and managers could easily avoid this area while hunting others until later in the season. Once these dominant birds have bred most of the hens they respond better to calls and are more enjoyable to hunt and much less frustrating!

The recent development of using motion decoys and fans to attract these gobblers that would have been previously “un-callable” to within gun range has further increased the hunting pressure on these mature “toms.” These “toms” are mature and wily to hunt for a reason, having survived many hunting seasons, but are still susceptible to these decoys that rely on his desire to protect his home turf from other gobblers. This type of hunting pressure specifically targets the most mature gobblers and should be managed carefully.

The following article does an excellent job of summarizing the potential factors that could be contributing to the recent downward trend in population:

https://www.fieldandstream.com/special-report-why-are-wild-turkey-numbers-declining-in-eastern-us/

State of the Wild Turkey 4
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Managing Land and Plantations for Wild Turkey Populations

Certainly, any of the numerous activities we undertake as managers to increase nesting success and create better habitat can play an important role in next year’s population, but breeding success has to be at the top of the list. We have often concentrated on post-breeding efforts like habitat quality and diversity as well as predator control, which are all important. Managing our hunting pressure on breeding gobblers has likely been overlooked or based on errors in understanding and needs more prominent attention. Land managers will be prudent to manage all factors that influence turkey nesting success on their properties going forward to ensure the continued success of the wild turkey population and the very best hunting.

*Statistics and excerpts taken from the following history of the restocking of the wild turkey in the United States: https://www.nwtf.org/_resources/dyn/files/75706989za3010574/_fn/Wild+Turkey+Population+History+and+Overview.pdf?Compare

At Live Water Properties, one of the topics that most frequently comes up in our discussions with Ranch Sellers and potential Buyers is water rights. The subject of water right laws in western states is broad and nuanced from state to state. As Ranch Brokers it is critical that we have a thorough working knowledge of a myriad of topics related to ranch ownership including water rights, mineral rights, title matters, tax implications, recreational regulations and commodity markets. Having a working knowledge and being a subject matter expert however is a different ballgame – we feel it is equally as important to maintain a dynamic network of relationships with industry experts for the various topics we encounter daily, such that a quick call or email, can have questions answered by the best of the best. Our relationships with a multitude of experts related to ranch ownership, pre-purchase diligence and ranch preparation for a timely sale is unparalleled. One such contact is Denver-based water law attorney, Bill Wombacher who created the following article regarding fishery-specific water rights in Colorado:

Private Fishery Water Rights 1
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Private Fishery Water Rights in Colorado

In Colorado, water rights can be obtained for almost any desired use, so long as that use is found to constitute a “beneficial use” in the eyes of the law. For nearly a century, the definition of “beneficial use” was thought to be expansive and to include essentially any use that a person could imagine. As a result, property owners devised creative ways to increase the value of their property through the use of water resources.

One such method used by the owners of ranch and agricultural properties was to improve irrigation ditches so that they had value beyond simply carrying water to a field. While water rights associated with most irrigation ditches are limited to use for irrigation purposes, landowners have some flexibility concerning how that water is conveyed to its ultimate place of use. This provides the opportunity for irrigation ditches to be improved for aesthetic and fishery purposes, so long as those improvements do not result in a substantive increase in consumptive use under the water right.

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For example, ditches were improved to appear as natural water ways and were engineered to include fish spawning areas, riffle pools, shelter for young fish, and habitat for macroinvertebrates. Fishery related improvements were particularly viable for properties in close proximity to a natural waterway and where the irrigation ditches terminated in the same stream from which the water was originally diverted (i.e., there was flow through potential). However, the use of irrigation water rights to support in-ditch fisheries was limited by the fact that irrigation water rights can only be diverted during the irrigation season; typically April to October. As a result, fish that made their way into improved irrigation ditches could become stranded when the flow of water ceased at the end of the irrigation season.

Property owners interested in maintaining a year-round fishery would obtain new water rights specifically for the purpose of diverting water down improved irrigation ditches during the winter in order to sustain the fishery until the next irrigation season. Colorado water courts granted such rights for decades allowing for the creation of dramatic water features and recreational opportunities on properties throughout the state.

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However, in 2015 in the case of St. Jude’s Co. v. Roaring Fork Club, LLC, the Colorado Supreme Court determined that diversions into and through a ditch for fishery, recreational, and aesthetic purposes, without impoundment, was not a “beneficial use” under Colorado water law thereby prohibiting such water rights. As a result of this decision, private parties can no longer obtain direct flow water rights for such purposes making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to develop year-round fisheries in improved irrigation ditches. It is important to note that storage rights (ie. ponds and reservoirs) for these purposes are still lawful and may be obtained from the Water Court.

Much to the dismay of many water users, the St. Jude’s decision did not discuss what should become of the hundreds of existing direct flow water rights already decreed for fishery, recreational and aesthetic purposes. This uncertainty resulted in legislative efforts to clarify the status of existing water rights, which succeeded in 2017 with the passage of House Bill 17-1190. That bill confirmed that the St. Jude’s decision did not apply to water rights decreed prior to July 15, 2015, thereby protecting all existing water rights decreed for uses that the Colorado Supreme Court had found to be unlawful in the St. Jude’s case.

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Because private parties can no longer obtain new direct flow water rights for fishery, recreational or aesthetic purposes, those that currently exist and are protected under HB 17-1190 are prized by parties seeking one-of-a-kind ranches and recreational properties in Colorado. Parties who currently own such rights should ensure that the rights are being properly managed to protect their long-term viability. These water rights cannot be replaced and are extremely rare and extremely valuable. Parties interested in unique recreational properties would be wise to search for properties that include these unique improvements.

If you have questions about water improvements for your property or the status of your Colorado water rights, contact Bill Wombacher at [mail_to email=”wwombacher@nswlaw.com”]wwombacher@nswlaw.com[/mail_to] or [ai_phone href=”+1.720.647.5661″]720.647.5661[/ai_phone] or though www.nswlaw.com.

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