Congregatin' ...

     Howdy-do!  This past weekend was a meetin’ of the minds for the North American Wood Ape Conservancy at our annual trainin’ camp, which was held just outside of the Sam Houston National Forest in San Jacinto County, Texas.  Members came from as far as Louisiana, Oklahoma and, get this ... Maryland to join with a few of our members from Texas in this two-day assemblage to discuss our team’s goals for 2015.  This trainin’ camp was designed to provide NAWAC members ... both old & new with fresh strategies, tactics and techniques in field research to help with our ongoin’ search for this elusive, undiscovered species.  I cannot stress enough the diligence and professionalism shown by these volunteers in their efforts to properly and conclusively document this animal, and was again humbled to be a part of this awesome team!

NAWAC members gathered fireside to discuss the team's goals for 2015 ... pictured from left
are Ed Harrison, Scott Wheatley, Tony Schmidt, Tod Pinkerton, Daryl Colyer and Mark Porter.

The group listens intently to the main message; pictured from
left are Jay Southard, Blake Kellum, Chris Buntenbah & Chad
Dorris as they heed Colyer's motto for any & all team goals ...

     While I won’t divulge details, members were briefed on such topics as field safety, proper documentation techniques, the essentials of teamwork, the importance of bein’ physically fit, usin’ the correct outdoor gear in harsh environments, a brief overview of Wilderness First Aid (in which I had the privilege to attend and pass last year) as well as the art of camouflage and observational skills.  Our presenters were very thorough, considerin’ the short amount of time we had just to take everything in.  Again, the NAWAC is not a social club; all of our members take any time spent in the grime very seriously.  These volunteer members sacrifice their time away from families, use their personal finances for any trainin’ as well as all of their research and lengthy endeavors in the field.

From left, Scott Wheatley, Chad Dorris, Daryl Colyer, Chris Buntenbah,
Jay Southard and David Haring all carry injured Tony Schmidt as our
Wilderness First Aid instructor Dusty Haithcoat walks past Mark Porter.

     We could not have picked a nicer weekend or location to hold this course.  Temps were a bit cool in the evenin’s but very comfortable durin’ the day.  I broke-in my new tent; however, I’m surprised none of the members who camped near me ever broke in to stifle my friggin’ snorin’!  Now, I personally have never heard a wood ape vocalize … but it was suggested that an incessant growl had emanated from my tent that could be felt deep in one’s chest from twenty-yards out.  Also, I had made a crucial campin’ mistake on Saturday, as-in I had left my dang tent unzipped … and returned to find not one, but two very large mahogany wasps buzzin’ around inside.  Now, had I returned in darkness and not discovered them, it prob’ly would have been a very rude and painful awakenin’ sometime durin’ the night.  At that point, I may have bellowed-out a blood-curdlin’ howl or two!

     Back to the subject at hand, if y’all would like to learn more about the North American Wood Ape Conservancy or think that you may want to contribute your time and skills toward our common goal, simply visit the NAWAC Web site or our Facebook page.  Please keep in mind that any potential members should be self-sufficient while out in the field, and thoroughly understand how to work with … as well as function as part of an intricate team.  In my opinion, I’ve never interacted with a team that’s as efficient as this one.  Period.  Thanks to all of our presenters for organizin’ everything, to our wonderful hosts for the use of their gorgeous property and to all of our members who were able to attend … especially those who traveled so far!  Until next time, y’all have fun and be really dang-careful while runnin’ ‘round out there in them woods …

From left are David Haring, Daryl Colyer, Scott Wheatley and Tony Schmidt taking field notes at our scenic venue ...