Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Looks like I have an otter problem

Well, you claim you're 'younger' and we know you're blonde, so I didn't want you to suffer any false misconceptions! (was that a double negative?)

I think I have hijacked my own post. This was about otters and turned into an AA meeting. Truth be known very little drinking takes place at our Pond Boss conferences. Story is going around that we may have the next one at a YMCA retreat.

I think Nebraska Game and Parks would be worse.... Otters are listed as "no take".

I've only seen otters here in Indiana at Mud Lake near Angola and at
Land O Lakes state park, both times in side streams, while kayaking. I'm thinking there must be good fishing where ever you find them if they eat so much.

They'd be cruel, but she'd be worse.


I didn't know that about otters in NE. Obviously would have researched it if the need arose though. I've seen them in our creek, small ones I think were otters, so might have to deal with them at some point.

Bing, I don't wish to hijack your post any further, but I'm glad you touched on this. I've never attended a conference, but I would like to, so I can put faces with the names on here. I have been concerned, based on past reports, that the atmosphere might be uncomfortable for me, as I don't drink, and I'm not much into partying.

Perhaps I am mistaken, or reading too much into it, but that was the message that came across to me from previous accounts of the conferences. This is an event that is obviously highly anticipated by the overwhelming majority of the members on here, so the format must work brilliantly. I'm not suggesting that any changes be made, I'm just trying to get a feel for the social climate.

If I have offended anyone, please be aware that it was unintentional. I've been concerned about this for some time, I just didn't know how to bring it up.

I had two Otters in my pond last winter. Both swam up to check me out. The larger otter came out of the water about 20 feet from me and kept sliding down the dam. I could almost hear it say "WEEEEE!!!" every time it slid down the bank. I had a shotgun with me but just couldn't pull the trigger. Flash forward to this winter, I saw a large Otter near the dam again. I guess times of changed because all I could think is "Say WEEEE one more time MF!"....It didn't.

Hi Sprkplug~ While there is some socializing at the Buzzard Lounge after hours, the majority of the conference is not at all centered around drinking. Big Cedar Lodge is a breath-taking property and conference center where we all gather for the talks, meals and hands on activities outside. It really is the perfect setting for us to gather and share knowledge. I can see why you would have your concerns, because we do joke around a lot about what goes on late at night, but really the magic happens during the day. I really hope you'll make it in October!

Sparkplug we do have a great time and I assure you it’s not centered on drinking. The good part is lots of stuff is planned and everyone is free to choose what they like. Fishing tourney , boat rides , hiking , shopping , silent auction all in addition to the meetings. Plus there are lots of vendors with booths and products to show. We have a diverse group of all ages and interests and everyone is welcome. I have never had anyone tell me after attending that they felt the least bit out of place.

Take a look at the Conv. archives and that should help.

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=254817#Post254817

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=183880#Post183880

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=124648#Post124648

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92619#Post92619

The nightlife is only a small part of the conference. The real meat is during the day.

Thanks for the link Eric ~ that was a stroll down memory lane!

We may need to convert this into a conference topic not an otter one. One thing that really stands out at the conferences I've attended (all of them)is that although most of us are just pond owners who want to learn the most we can, there are always a number of very well educated, very well respected experts. I believe that at conference three, the first at Big Cedar, there were at least seven PhD doctors who spoke. This is staggering. Where else in the world can you attend a meeting where 7 of the smartest, best educated, pond experts are there; making presentations and being available for one on one questions. Of course, there are also tons of experts who don't have a doctors degree in this, but they are true experts and willingly share their knowledge. Just plain guys and true renown experts all in the same room and all eager to share. Connie and i have had a chance to travel and do some really neat things in the past year or two, but if i had to give them all up but one, I'd keep the conference.

While most everything at Big Cedar is walking distance, it never hurts to have some designated drivers!

AND it helps if the designated drivers know the grounds!

That's my biggest complaint about the place. They offer a map at the front desk, but how clearly are the streets marked?

Just where is the tournament dock anyway??????? That was a PITA to find.

Now you know, at least.

The bigger question is "Will I remember from last year?"

esshup -- keep walking downhill until your feet get wet. you will be close.

I dont drink and I have been to every conference to date. The last 2 conferences I have brought my whole family to Big Cedar. Very family friendly and lots to jampack into an extended weekend!

Earlier this week I was headed thru Bing's town a few hours south of me and stopped in for perhaps the best breakfast on the planet.


His wife Connie can flat out cook! Had I not got to know Fred and Connie at the previous conferences and pond boss events, I would have had a Casey's donut and biscuit for breakfast while driving instead of that feast! The moral of the story is to go to the conference.... (and get to know Connie).

Oh yeah, also to catch the otter just dig a hole 5 feet deep on the side of the pond and fill it with 6 inches of red cedar ashes and line the edge of the hole with fresh green peas.

When the Otter comes up to take a pea, just kick him in the ash hole.

How long have you been working out that otter joke?

I laughed. And told everyone in the room.

You are BAD Nate!!!!
Made me spew coffee all over my key board ...

Ha ha ha!!! That was a good one!!!

You otter not tell jokes like that - bad for keyboards and screens !

That did it.. Now I'm searching for an emoticon that can emit an audible groan.