I left Cote d'Ivoire in West Africa on Monday August 29th and arrived in Lafayette La. Tuesday August 30th. I have many relatives in Forest Ms. and the surrounding area who were without power and had tree damage to both houses and property due to Katrina. When I landed in Lafayette at 18:30 I was told of the damage that had occured in my home town so I packed my truck with the things I needed to cut trees and repair houses as well as three generators and several gas containers. It took me a couple of days of back breaking work to clear the trees and perform the patchwork. Once I finished that I went on several scouting trips to my proven hunting locations, most of which are on Govt. land. The trees really got whipped around but there was suprisingly little real damage to the forest itself. The White Oaks are producing a good crop this year with many acorns left in the trees to mature. Granted, there are lots of acorns on the ground but enough remain to provide the deer with lots of substinance for the next few months. The Red Oaks don't seem to have a tremendous crop but there are some to be found. Persimmons are more pletiful this year than I have seen in a long time. The deer really seem to be browsing heavily as most of the hedge and grasses are really clipped hard throuout the places I looked. My bow is shooting nice and tight and I am ready to hit the woods. Most of you are as well, I bet. My brother is stationed in Hattisburg Ms. and the damage report from him is exceedingly grim. Essentially there is not much of the forest left there. He was sent to the Gulf Coast three days after the storm and said "You just have to see it to believe it".

Good luck guys and hopefully your season will be safe and rewarding this year.

Perf