One September Sunrise on the Neuse
On a September morning, the Neuse River came alive under a blazing sunrise as we partnered with The Fly Rod Chronicles and Curtis Fleming for a memorable week on the water with two veterans from Project Healing Waters. Guided by Gary DuBiel and fishing pop-n-fly setups, both anglers landed giant redfish measuring more than 40 inches. It was more than a fishing trip—it was a powerful reminder of the healing found in fellowship, wild places, and the unforgettable pull of a bull red at first light.
The Story Behind a Photograph
A photograph captures more than what is in front of the lens. It holds the waiting, the silence, the instinct, and the moment when the wild world reveals itself. In this image, a hawk stands over its prey, wings spread and eyes fixed, reminding us that nature is not only beauty and calm. It is survival, balance, and truth. The field may appear peaceful, but within it, life is always moving. This is the story behind the photograph: not just a bird in the grass, but a glimpse into the raw and necessary rhythm of the natural world.
The Original Conservationists
Conservation isn't something that happens separate from hunting and fishing—it happens because of them.
For generations, hunters and anglers have invested their time, money, and passion into protecting wildlife, restoring habitat, and ensuring future generations can enjoy healthy fish and wildlife populations. Every license purchased, every box of ammunition, every fishing lure, and every conservation project supported by sportsmen helps fund the future of the outdoors.
The next time someone says hunting and fishing are just recreation, remind them of this simple truth: in America, hunting and fishing are conservation.