It’s literally Christmas Day and we’re all settled in with family and friends. By now we know who has been naughty and who has been nice. The proof is found under the tree, or, not under the tree - if you know what I mean. Santa knows who is on his list but he may not know who is on my NAUGHTY and NICE LIST.
NAUGHTY LIST. The person at the nuclear power plant in Prairie Island who authorized a complete plant shut down last winter. The Mississippi River near Red Wing froze over and the winter walleye season was put on hold for a month or so. Because of that, I went a little stir crazy.
NICE LIST. The person at the Wisconsin DNR who sends out a yellow postcard every January announcing that I have been fortunate enough to receive a spring turkey harvest permit. The postcard usually arrives around the coldest week of the year giving me a small taste of warmer things to come, mainly Spring.
NAUGHTY LIST. Last summer when I was on the Winnipeg River there was a boatload of walleye anglers who got caught with way too many fish. Everyone was given a fine and all their fish were confiscated. The entire boat deserves to be on the Naughty List.
NICE LIST. To the wardens who shared the confiscated walleye with me because I was following the rules.
NAUGHTY LIST. Dock Roger is one of my net men and he is notorious for catching the dipnet on anything and everything when he tries to net my fish. One time he actually fell backside first onto the floor of the boat trying to net a musky for me. Because of those shenanigans he makes the Naughty List.
NICE LIST. Dock Lori, who supplies me with muffins every time I take her roommate fishing.
NICE LIST. The groups of neighbors who gathered after the son of a good friend shot a monster buck. I was also invited to celebrate the buck and the hunter. It was a terrific evening and it got better as the night wore one and more people showed up. To the lady who showed up with the bottle of Jack Daniels (and you know who you are) – you are on the NAUGHTY and NICE LIST!
NICE LIST. I have to give a shoutout to my Deer Tracking Crew: my nephew Brandon, his daughter Ivy (age 10), his sons Ronnie (age 6) and Skip (age 4, who announced that I was his BFF), as well as my brother Whammer whose specialty is dragging deer. Watching and listening to those three youngsters lead the tracking party was the most memorable deer outing of the year and maybe ever.
Final entry on the NICE LIST. You, the reader. I don’t get to do what I do here if you don’t pick up the paper or log online every week. I have been blessed to do this for 30-some years and I hope to continue on this journey for who knows how long but I can’t do it without you. For that you have my most sincere thanks. For that, you will always have a permanent place on the NICE LIST!

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at dave@piercecountyjournal.news Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @thepiercecountyjournal