Wednesday, May 31, 2006

REBS WIN S.E.C. TITLE !!!!!


Hoover, Al> The Ole Miss Rebels have won the Baseball SEC tournament with a wild game against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the final bracket 9-3 with a top of the ninth homerun that gave the Rebels breathing room against a fast closing Vanderbilt team. This is the first baseball championship in around 27 years. They are hosting at Oxpatch on June 2 for the regionals to head to the World Series. Congratulations Rebels!!!!!!

Friday, May 26, 2006

Memorial Day Deer Reunion


Base of the Hills, MS> The editor of the Bodock Times has just received a note from Thunderhoof that his family reunion is this weekend.
Activities planned are a daylight swim at the lake Saturday morning.
Trail walking, sightseeing later followed by a big clover eating at the Number 1 field that afternoon. Later there will be a crop circle contest in the big cornfields.
Dinner will be honeysuckle, more clover, wild strawberries, and of course, rye grass.
That night there will be a fun raid on the apple trees at the Howell Camphouse.
Sunday activities are a morning scouting trip with Thunderhoof to show all the bucks the hidden deer stands around the property. Lunch will be at the Odom Stand for the secret stuff Trent planted last fall. The afternoon will be woodcraft and how to avoid the stupid hunters. Swimming at the lake, horn bashing contest, dinner at the field of your choice, dessert in Pops garden and fireworks as we make Pop mad by eating up his garden.
Come early and have fun!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

My Dog is Failing Duck 101


Harvard, MS> Camo, the wonder dog is having problems. Being raised around Labrador Retrievers, I expect all dogs to have a basic understanding of the duck language and to want to retrieve anything thrown into the water. So, I spend half my time quacking at the dog (she pretends not to understand) and her grade in Duck 101 is an F right now. A stick thrown into the water deeper than her ankle is met by utter refusal to get her butt wet and bring it back!
"Quack, Quack!" for some reason Camo stares at me like I am the crazy one.
I thought she would make an antler dog. This is not working very well either. The getting the antler works good, but bringing it back includes a lot of screaming and chasing the varmint.She is barely passing. Here is what she is good at.
She hates a damn armadillo, she can spot one a mile away and will chase them like a crazy canine. She can't grab 'em but sure has fun chasing them. She also don't care much for a deer and I think that Dad's dog is teaching her bad habits. That Trigger hates a damn deer.
Camo also can spot, track and trail a turtle with the best of them. Box turtles, water turtles, terrapins or tortoise, it makes no difference. Crazy dog will bring them home to play with.
So, as of now, I think she is a turtle dog. I may teach her to speak French and become a frog dog.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Important Mississippi Links

The 2006-2007 hunting schedule is out.
The Mississippi Dept of Wildlife, fisheries and Parks has the info. MDWFP
Magnolia Records for the state are linked with them.
Here's a link to the area we are against. Hillside Refuge
The Census bureau has the Tiger Map Server for maps of everything.
Rootsweb has a history of Holmes County or any other Mississippi County.
My home in Yalobusha County has a good web site with lots of pictures of the old homes.
Here is a good link to the formation of the delta and the Loess Hills
A link to the OLE MISS REBELS
A darn good Mississippi blogger at Southern Appeal
Look up your taxes and property appraisal at Delta Computer Systems
Check the weather at WTVA
Water Valley news at The North Mississippi Herald
Will add more later.

Monday, May 22, 2006

The Tiny Twelve Point


Hamburg, MS> Several years ago, Hershel Howell (noted slave driver, Thunderhoof seeker, workaholic and retired gentleman farmer) studied the land at Natchez for a good place to hunt.
His legs hurt and moving stands at 70 years old was not as fun as it once was. He asked his oldest son to help him. Trent replied "No, you need to hunt one of those box stands" He asked his next child. Paul said "No, I'm too busy blasting deer, maybe next year" Hershel would have asked Rex but he already had him working in a salt mine somewhere. He got his four wheeler, tied a stand to the rear and took off! The west side of the property was little hunted and he found a scrape on the ridge, spent half the day worrying his stand into position and went back to camp to rest. His sons tried to talk him out of hunting there the next day, saying he had left too much scent in the woods. He promptly told them to all go to hell and leave him alone. He got on the stand. It wasn't long till he saw the horns emerge from the woods and got ready. The horns were nice but the deer looked small. He deliberated and before he was ready, the gun went off!
BLAM! The deer took off too!. I will give Paul credit, he can track a deer and spent the rest of the day tracking it until he and dad met up on the side of a ridge after losing the blood trail.
They started talking, when Paul saw the buck start easing up the other side of the ridge just over dads left shoulder. "Shoot" he yelled as the deer changed gears. Dad whirled, aimed and at the last second shot the running deer. A great shot under the circumstances, and the last real use we have had for Paul in ten years.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Devils Lose Game- Win Hearts


Jackson, MS> The Water Valley Blue Devils played the last game of the 3-A Championship on Monday and lost to the Newton County Cougars 6-4 in another nail biter that pushed both teams to the limit. A late rally by the devils almost pulled them out of the hole but it was not to be. The Water Valley fans cheered the team afterwards and nobody in this small town is anything but extremely proud of the young men and the outstanding accomplishments they have achieved. Once again a proud "thank you" to these fine young men.
The Clairion-Ledger has a nice article on the miracle of this team.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

The Dove Field Monster


FLowing Liquor, MS> this picture was taken the night we brought the big monster in. A great celebration ensued with flowing liquor, a big fire and lots of telling of how I did it, retelling of deer stories from the past and hopes for the future. This picture shows Paul, Terry, Greg and I
holding the big deer. A great hunt and a night to remember!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Radiated Buck Shot Near Bridge


Chernobyl, MS> Paul Howell, famed deer hunter and luckiest person on the face of the earth, racked up another big buck this weekend at the Christmas Place Nuclear Research Institute. The deer walked into the middle of a 300 acre wheat field at dusk. Paul said “it was easy to see him, his horns seemed to glow”. The field was full of deer as Paul sat patiently on his bucket waiting for the buck to get within range. The deer wandered closer and closer and our hero drew down on the beast. That’s when he noticed the strange color of its’ hide, but then concentrated on it’s large antlers as it peacefully grazed 60 yards from him. BLAM!! The deer ran and Paul jumped to see if he hit the poor thing. A quick search for blood and when none was found, he headed for camp to organize a search party. After diligent searching Mark found a glowing green trail of blood and without any other help Rex tracked and found the glowing big horned varmint lying in the cane next to the creek. The huge deer was piebald (spotted for you idiots) with 7 huge points and an 18 ¾ inch spread of horns that glowed in the dark. Dept of Energy and Dept. of Agriculture were immediately called in to do the autopsy.
The mutant deer (big horns, tiny body) was found to be spotted from radiation sickness. The meat was immediately declared inedible for human consumption and given to the Howell Camp for supper. There was much coming and going of people in radiation suits and talking on walkie-talkies, then an old truck was discovered below the bridge that was suspected of hauling radioactive waste and may have been illegally dumping on the property for years. Trent Howell, criminal lawyer, (as they all are) said “it could be worse, it could be an old railway spur of one of my clients” Much prodding and bribery was needed to get the G-Men to leave the place especially after the members managed to steal a few of those cool white radiation suits. They would not leave until Paul said “Look at those horns, I sure would like all of you to come hunt here next year” The Feds were gone in 30 minutes. Congrats on a fine Buck!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

3-A H.S. BASEBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP


Jackson, MS> Water Valley is in the finals for the state high school baseball championship. They are playing at the new Braves stadium out from Jackson in what is has turned into a duel of wits and pitching as our local heroes battled the Newton County Cougars ( a perennial championship team). Water Valley took the first game 2-1 in 9 innings. a tough fought game with great pitching from both sides. Yesterday the Cougars of Newton county took a 5-3 decision over our Blue Devils. The rubber match is Wednesday at 6 p.m. for all the marbles. If you are in Mississippi, try to go. It should be the best game of the year. As they say "GO BLUE!!!"
for related stories go to the Clarion Ledger

Monday, May 15, 2006

2002 WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR


EASY HUNTING, MS> 2002 WAS ONE OF THOSE YEARS IT SEEMED LIKE EVERY TIME YOU WALKED IN THE WOODS, A BIG OLD BUCK WOULD JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF YOU. BURNEY AND I WERE BLASTING DEER ALL OVER THE PLACE AND EVERYONE ELSE COULDN'T SEE A DEER MUCH LESS SHOOT ONE OF THE BIG HORNED VARMINTS. BEING HUMBLE ABOUT THE SITUATION WE DECIDED TO AGGRAVATE THE HELL OUT OF EVERYONE BY MAKING UP THESE CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR THE OTHER CAMP MEMBERS.

Friday, May 12, 2006

The Castle


I appraised this beautiful old home a few years ago. It is affectionately known as the Castle to everyone in Water Valley.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

New Salespeople Put Blogger on Easy Street


Megabucks, MS> Howell Realty (shady real estate firm) recently hired two new sales people who are not wanted by the FBI or other law enforcement agencies. Shona Williams is a beautiful lady who claims to be about 30 but looks 22. We are working on perfecting the shoulder touch to sell real estate. Truthfully, she is hardworking and a great asset to the office and I believe she will be an absolutely great sales agent.
Wilbur Herring is an older gentleman who acts pretty crotchety but is really a very funny and hardworking retired postal employee. Don't worry he hasn't shot anyone in ages! From his postal days, he knows everyone and their family history. He is easy going but persistant and is doing great as a sales agent also.
So call them to list your house or just get info on homes in Water Valley.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

The Fish Is Biting!


Denise and Hershel already trading fish stories as the crappie start biting.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Golf Camp Results


Crooked Shank, MS> We are back from golf camp, with a great time had by all. All the golfers sucked equally and it took a lot of beer to overcome the rusty swings displayed. Here are the results: Most Consistent-- (Pete Smith) Worst Nine Holes-- (Rex Howell) Best Nine Holes-- (Bebo Howell) Biggest Collapse-- (Greg Jones) Best Overall Disposition after playing bad golf--(Joe Black) Most Inconsistent-- (Trent Howell) Most Tired and Worn Out-- (Barry Weeks)
Loudest Hacker-- (Paul Howell)
Part of the fun playing was changing the scramble teams every nine holes so that everyone played with a new partner. As bad as I played, I ended up with a whole pocket full of money!
Saturday after 36 hole at Silver City, we ate in Belzoni at Cat Daddys' Restaurant with a seafood buffet, collapsed in bed and played at Benton the next day. A really fun weekend and I think everyone is looking forward to going back.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Bogey Blues

Water Valley, MS> Today is the day! Am packed and will be leaving at noon. Hope to play Sandstone Golf Club this afternoon. Go in to camp. Cookout. Play Silver City tomorrow.
Then Benton Golf Club on Sunday. Should be a great weekend! Will post the Bogey Cup results and photos late next week.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Officer Jones- V.C.O.

Mr. Jones has his problems with killing a deer but he is our official Varmint Control Officer! He got this big bobcat not long ago.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

The Christmas Cemetery


Thomas Christmas marker inscription "So noble and true, struck down in prime of manhood by the hand of a ruthless murderer." He died June 6, 1875


Sarah and William Parker started the plantation in 1827 with the name Ferndale.
She died in 1851 at the age of 62. Records show she owned over 120 slaves and had almost 30,000 acres.


Camo is guarding the limestone grave markers about 3' x 6' over the graves of William and Sarah. About 20 graves are here with markers scattered through the woods.


The kids went with me and are at the only enclosed marker. The family was tied to the West family of which Cato was the governer. The Parkers had one son J.R. West
who supposedly had twin girls that married the Christmas boys (Henry and Thomas)
during the War in 1863.

Monday, May 01, 2006

The Voting Log


Thornton, MS> We were happy with our great deal on the 1000 acres at Natchez, but it was a long way to go every weekend. Hershel kept his eyes open and soon a broker called with a deal. 2000 acres in the edge of the delta called the Christmas Place. Hershel checked it out and fell in love.
To sell the Natchez property he had to have everyone agree. A trip was setup to explore the Christmas Place property and decide. Trent, Paul, Rex and Hershel headed for the delta. They wandered the property looking for deer sign, it looked good, damn good, but Trent really liked Natchez and was unconvinced. They wandered down to a little opening on an old logging road. Right beside the road was a giant hook! The kind that makes your mouth water. It was on a tree as big around as your leg! They all stared, and Hershel said “Let’s sit on that log over there and make a decision” Hershel picked a log out in perfect sight of the giant rub. They sat down and talked the pros and cons. Every now and then they would all glance at the giant hook shining across the clearing as Hershel expounded his ideas. Then they all voted. Since that time the field is known as Negotiation Log or the Voting Log stand.

PAUL (MODESTY) HOWELL

PAUL (A MODEST LIFE STORY)
EXCERPT FROM BUCKMASTERS MAGAZINE….
1.“I KNEW I WAS DESTINED FOR GREATNESS AT AN EARLY AGE, I ALWAYS KILLED THE BIGGEST DEER WHILE MY BROTHERS CRIED THEMSELVES TO SLEEP AT NIGHT.”
2.“I HUNTED THE HARDEST AND ALWAYS OUT THOUGHT
THE DEER, CRAWLING AROUND ON MY STOMACH, PLAYING THE WIND THAT’S THE WAY YOU DO IT.”
3. “SHOOTING MULES IS MY PASSION, SOME MEN LIKE WHISKEY, OR WOMEN, GOLF OR A REAL LIFE, JUST GIVE ME A MULE!”
4. THEIR JEALOUSY REALLY HURTS, I TRY NOT TO BRAG
AND TO BE VERY MODEST, BUT IT IS HARD TO DO WHEN YOU ARE SHOOTING GIANT MULES!”