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BY DANNY BLEVINS

STAR CORRESPONDENT

We have been looking back at the year 2020 in the outdoors. It has been a rough year, but the fish still fought well, the deer still fell to a good shot and the hills and mountains were still there to hike. Who could ask for more?

The outdoors has been a constant in a year that saw a pandemic and a world full of chaos.

In fact, the only thing some of us have had to look forward to during this year was the outdoors. More people began to appreciate the outdoors, and more people used the outdoors than at any time in modern American history.

People went seeking the solitude of the outdoors, and they crowded campgrounds, waterways, and boat docks during 2020.

I have never had more trouble getting a camping spot at local popular campgrounds than I did during 2020. The campgrounds were filled months in advance, and people who had never camped before were exploring the outdoors.

Also, the waters have been filled with recreational users and anglers. I supposed many people were looking to make things simpler in their lives, and they headed to the outdoors to find this simplicity.

During a year filled with confusion, people could always count on the peace of the outdoors.

Last week we discussed the year in review up through March 2020. Today, we will start with the wonderful month of April.

April 2020

The outdoor world changed during March and April when restrictions were placed on the local waterways, shooting ranges, campgrounds, and TWRA boat launch sites.

The TWRA and other government agencies started requiring social distancing, and people had to stay at least six feet away from one another. Many TWRA shooting ranges and boat launch sites were closed completely, as was the camping areas and most state parks.

Individuals were allowed to fish and hunt, but they were required to wear masks and stay apart. No gatherings of more than six were allowed, and it did not look good for the summer vacation season.

May 2020

Slowly, the TWRA hunting and fishing facilities began to reopen. TWRA boat launch and shooting ranges opened, as did most state parks and many campgrounds.

Things were trying to get back to normal, but we still had to social distance in the outdoors and stay at least six feet from others.

Also, during May 2020 a giant Musky was caught from the Nolichucky River. Luke Herndon caught the fish after fighting it for 30 minutes. Once he landed it, he turned it loose so that it could grow even larger.

June 2020

TWRA released data during June that pointed to another good year for turkey hunters. According to TWRA data, the harvest for 2020 should reach close to 30,000 birds.

The fishing was heating up on all waterways, especially the South Holston and Watauga Rivers. Giant trout were coming out of these waters, and the TWRA estimated many parts of those rivers held thousands of fish. They fell easily to dry flies, plugs, and natural bait.

Also, June gave us the term Murder Hornets. This was a new type of bee that had been discovered in some western states. The Hornets didn’t make it to Tennessee, and it was just another worry for 2020.

Finally, a Hamilton County man caught a 103-pound blue catfish from the Tennessee River. The fish was just short of the state record which is around 112-pounds.

He caught the fish on a medium action rod and reel and used a nightcrawler for bait. This just goes to show that a good old fashion worm is hard to beat when you need a go-to bait.

Pick up an Elizabethton Star next week as we finish our countdown to the top outdoor stories for 2020.