My daughter Mattie and I have had many outdoor adventures, from fishing to hunting to ‘shrooming to shed hunting. They are memories I will never forget.

Happy Father’s Day! I know this is a couple of days early but it’s certainly better than being late. As I was putting together some thoughts for today’s column, I wondered if there was such a thing as Daughter’s Day? Whether there is or not, I have decided to take this opportunity to celebrate my Father’s Day by thanking my daughter Mattie.  

I can remember the day we met like it was 10 minutes ago even though it’s been two plus decades. I started looking forward to the days when we would catch crappies, pick mushrooms, look for ginseng or hunt deer. Fast forward in the blink of an eye with those days in my rear view mirror. Every outing brings a smile because of how much fun we had together. Each memory is stored forever in my heart. So with that, buckle up and read on for some of the best of our best outings.

Our first fishing outing was during a family vacation on the Chippewa Flowage alongside a floating bog using worms and a bobber. When that bobber disappeared, “we” set the hook and hauled in a mega monster 3-inch bluegill.  

If you look close, you can see it in my hand. The taxidermist said that it was the hardest fish he ever mounted. Yep, I had that momentous catch mounted and it hangs next to a host of other big and wild things. Out of all the things that hang on that wall, the smallest item always gets the first comment. When I explain that it was the very first catch of Mattie’s life the skeptical looks are always followed by the AAAAWWWWWWWS.

Another way for us to spend time together was going mushroom hunting. I can’t explain why Mattie was so much better at it than me. My guess is that her viewpoint was closer to the ground and that’s the story I’m sticking with. Even now I could take you to the spot where Mattie looked at me like I was a ‘shrooming newbie and said: “There’s one by your right boot Dad.”

I know the exact spot where Mattie found her very first shed antler. She earned it and was a trooper logging a lot of miles before finding that four-point shed deer antler. She immediately held her new trophy over her head, hollering for me to come see it. I’ve found tons of horns before after that one but none that were as celebrated like Mattie’s first find.

Yes, I could go on and on and share more stories about deer hunting, bass fishing, crappie outings, etc. The point of this reverse Father’s Day was to remind me just how fortunate I am to have a terrific daughter.

Thanks Mattie, I love you!

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at dave@piercecountyjournal.news Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @thepiercecountyjournal