The Last One

Youth hunt April 23rd total: 3

Three day hunt (April 26th - April 28th) total: 30

Largest spur: 29mm; longest beard: 10.75in (x2); largest by weight: 23.36lb

Three day hunt (April 29th - May 1st) total: 7

Largest spur: 23mm (x2); longest beard:11.25in; largest by weight: 21.21lb

Audrey: I wish I had explored the public use area more. However, our responsibilities often took us elsewhere on the refuge. Therefore I encourage visitors to explore the public use area, to venture into the woods, and tell BOCS about the cool places they find!

My favorite part of the public use area is the northern bridge (that sometimes floods over). I like crossing that bridge because I feel like I am sneaking around or using a back door to get to where I want to go. It's also a different perspective of the lake. You get to see the dead trees from a lot closer, you see a smaller water area on the other side that sometimes has some ducks and other wildlife, you see the dam from afar. It's also a tight bridge so it's always interesting to cross. That bridge also leads to beautiful areas. So the bridge is nice but the drive after the bridge is also nice.

Sarah: My favorite part of the public use area is Big Tree Point. While you are walking down the trail, you can look into the forested areas and find many wildflowers. Then you can look the other way onto the lake and see what birds you can spot flying above the water or throughout the tops of trees! After a peaceful walk on the trail, you end at an outlook point. If you look across the lake, you can find an eagle’s nest up in the trees, if you’re lucky enough, you might see the eagles in the nest!

This will be our last blog. We are both leaving Big Oaks to go on our next adventures. Thank you to everyone who has read our blogs this season! We hope you have enjoyed learning about our experience and the work we have done at the refuge. It has been a pleasure. Who knows who will take over for us in the summer?

Best wishes,

Audrey and Sarah, BONWR Interns Spring 2023

PS: Can you find the little goslings in the picture?