Posts by Duncan Dobie
Doris Forrester
Shortly after Whit Forrester of Cordele married his beautiful young bride Doris in 1948, he approached her and said, “I want us to be able to do something in our spare time that we can share together so we’re never apart.” That suited Doris just fine. The two lovebirds were inseparable, and they wanted to…
Read MoreOutdoor Blast Reflections With Duncan Dobie
For three glorious days in August all the world was good again. For many of us, the past year-and-a-half has been a huge void—a blip on the map—a time like no other in American history. Continuous cancelations (including the 2020 Outdoor Blast), school closings, working from home, limited travel and in many cases, living like…
Read MoreThe Jim Bland Story
Jim Bland, of Jesup, was born in 1929 just as the effects of the Great Depression were beginning to be felt by many Americans. His outdoor life was greatly influenced by his father, James R. Bland, and his grandfather, Daniel Tate Bland, who was born in 1850. Today at 92, “Pops,” as he is known…
Read MoreA Tale Of Two Brothers: The Conclusion
Eli Mason often told his nephews, “Ya’ just don’t know how good something is until you don’t have it any more. Turkey season is like Christmas in April.” This stark reality hit the boys with both barrels two days after the Rendezvous. They never got a chance to apologize to Uncle Eli for fighting at…
Read MoreMichael Waddell: Born To Hunt
Michael Waddell and Georgia gobblers go back a long way. His love of turkey hunting and the skills he developed as a master caller and hunter when he was a teenager opened the door to an extraordinary outdoor career that has been going strong for over 20 years. And even though his love of turkey…
Read MoreA Tale Of Two Brothers: Part 2
“I can’t imagine how tough it is growing up without a daddy,” Uncle Eli said shaking his head. “That’s why I’ve tried so hard to let you two experience some of the finer things in life like turkey hunting.” They were a sitting on the large front porch of his house in rocking chairs. Eli…
Read MoreWoody’s Forum Celebrates 20 Years!
Woody Coffee had no concept of the sleeping giant he was about to awaken when he launched his “Woody’s Taxidermy Campfire Talk” message board in 2001. For him, it was a simple way to stay in touch with his customers. Facebook would not come on the scene until 2004, and other than a message board…
Read MoreA Tale Of Two Brothers: Part 1
“Why did we have to get up so early, Uncle Eli,” the boy said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “We have to get ahead of the turkeys,” Uncle Eli said. “Turkeys have to get up very early in the morning and go to work, and we have to get ahead of them before they…
Read MoreArt Rilling: An Officer, A Gentleman And A Georgia Icon
The outdoor and hunting world in Georgia has lost a very special friend. Art Rilling, who owned and operated the Stone Mountain Game Ranch from 1962 to 1982, and later the Yellow River Game Ranch from 1982 to 2012, passed away on Jan. 4, 2021. He was 92. Art was a mentor and inspiration to…
Read MoreWashington County’s Best Buck Stolen, Still Missing
Editor’s Note: The Washington County record buck killed by Jason Luttrull in 1999 was stolen from the Washington County Fair on Oct. 14, 2004. GON spoke with Jason’s best friend Chris Kevern on Sept. 2, 2020, and he confirmed that the deer is still missing. If you have information on the buck’s whereabouts, please call…
Read More