January 5, 2012

New Year's Eve morning, and I am trying my best to muster my thoughts so that I can best describe this previous year, while also reflecting back on 25 years of WSI's history.  I would love to say that both periods will be remembered fondly, but there is no denying how difficult 2011 has been.  Perhaps we can find irony and a sense of satisfaction in looking at our Silver Anniversary as being our silver lining on the dark cloud of 2011!

This past year will be remembered by many as the driest year on record for Texas and Texans, characterized by wildfires of unprecedented proportion, consuming some 3.7 million acres of Texas rangeland, and here in my home town of San Angelo, we had some 100 consecutive days of 100 degree temperatures!  Many of our wildlife populations, including multiple game species which support the foundation of WSI, took it on the chin, and with the hardship of these wild creatures, also came the struggles for this business, as we cancelled approximately $175,000.00 worth of hunts while muddling through other hunts that yielded sub-par results for our valued clients.  And as Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I have to say about that".

But from a big picture standpoint, I never in my wildest dreams as a kid would have realistically envisioned a 25 year career, and counting, of having my vocation and avocation being one in the same.  Indeed, there have been many struggles that have tested some resolve, and the toils of such business challenges will forever last, but how blessed I am to have such great vocational memories.

Many folks have been a big part of this exciting journey, none more important than my Mom and Dad whose encouragement led the way.  I have been incredibly blessed with key mentor-ship dating back to college faculty, along with professional and personal assistance from numerous individuals during the early stages of a fledgling business to individuals who continue to generously provide sage advise, and there have been many company staffers over the years who have selflessly contributed in a huge way for the success of our WSI efforts.  I cannot thank these people enough.

My hat is tipped to our landowners who have generously placed their trust in WSI, opening their gates to us and our clients.  Private landowners represent an integral fabric in the wildlife stewardship equation, and it is their equity, both sweat and financial, that will determine the sustainable success of wildlife over much of North America as we move forward in time.

And then there is our hunting clients.  It is their loyalty and support that continues to breath life into our WSI sails.  Through good times and through bad, many of them have stayed by our side, and there is no more that a business owner could ask than that.  Thank you!

In moving forward, I'll admit that my crystal ball is perhaps not as clear as it once was, and I'm not for sure how to understand or explain this.  I look forward to continuing to work with good folks, and we'll always have our nose to the wind for new and exciting ventures, but at this point, maybe I am a tad more content to plod along one day at a time, perhaps enjoying the view and savoring some of the finer tings that characterize this business.

For a country boy whose adolescent safari dreams were in the form of chasing squirrels and rabbits along the banks of Trinity River in East Texas, the last 25 years can only be described as an amazing journey.  It has not always been easy, but it has been good.

Here's to hoping 2012 brings Texas. Texans, and Texas wildlife bountiful proportions of rainfall so that we can enjoy greener pastures, and the fruits that come with these wetter times.  And here's to wishing all of you a healthy and prosperous year.  Keep well and keep in touch.

 Click here to download our January 5,  2012 Play By Play Newsletter   

Cheers,

Greg Simons