I apologize for missing a week or two. I am still recovering from shoulder surgery and not feeling quite up to par. I didn’t expect it to be this severe.

I want to pass along some upcoming events.

Saturday, April 2, is Youth Turkey Hunting Day for anyone 15 or younger to get a jump on the spring gobbler season.

Sundays, April 3 and 10, will be rounds three and four of the Three Rivers Bass Tournament Series on the Nottoway River. See www.threeriversbassclub.com for more information.

Saturday, April 9, is opening day of spring gobbler season. See www.huntfishva.com for more information.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, the 11th Virginia Fly-Fishing Festival will be held in Waynesboro, and on Monday, May 16, striped bass opens again in the Coastal Region.

Saturday, June 4, will be the Ladies Only Shooting Clinic hosted by Airfield Shooting Club at the Airfield 4-H Conference Center in Wakefield. More information may be obtained by contacting Dale Mullin at 757-420-4419 or Dale1449@gmail.com.

Friday through Sunday, June 3-5, Virginia Free Fishing Days will be held. No fishing license is required except in designated stocked trout waters.

Three Rivers Bass Club

The Tidewater News has been running pictures of the Three Rivers Bass Club’s weekly tournament winners. We intend to keep you informed on the series’ leaders.

If it weren’t for this shoulder, I’d be fishing in this tournament; it sure sounds like fun. I can assure you that The Tidewater News will be present on Sept. 25 when the series concludes on the Nottaway River.

Get outdoors

With all the outdoor action taking place in the spring, there is no excuse to stay indoors. My twin 16-year-old sons, Robert and David, spent a few hours two weekends ago fishing on the Blackwater; keep your eyes open for snakes was their message to me.

Snakes don’t want to be near you anymore than you probably want to be near them; give them a chance, and they will get out of your way peacefully.

In the news

There are a lot of legislative issues scheduled this year that may affect you as an outdoor enthusiast, landowner or concerned citizen. The most appropriate way to express your opinion about these bills, or any other legislation, is through your local delegate and/or senator.

For more information about your legislators and how to contact them, visit the Virginia General Assembly website. You may also contact the Virginia General Assembly’s Constituent Viewpoint Comment line toll-free at 1-800-889-0229 in Richmond.

Once again, I apologize for not being up to par. I want you to be assured that I hope to be back to normal very soon, maybe by next week.

BOB RUDZIK is a Newsoms resident. He can be reached at outdoors@tidewaternews.com.