A Message from Ray Scott

There is a song from the Roaring Twenties that tells us "happiness lies right under your eyes back in your own back yard.” I heard that sentimental old song recently on a player piano and I had to agree. I know that the best things literally ARE in my own back yard in Central Alabama.

Because that’s how I feel about my part of the world with its great hunting and fishing. The area I call home is known as the Black Belt, a geographical region named for its rich dark soil. It cuts a swath across the state from east to west and as you can imagine from its definition, it enjoys a longstanding and historic agrarian tradition. Even better, it is home to superb natural resources, including two of America’s favorite game critters — whitetail deer and black bass.

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that my hometown of Montgomery is the birthplace of no less than three influential outdoor organizations. It is where I founded the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) in 1968 and it is where Jackie Bushman founded Buckmasters, built I’m proud to say, on the basic model of B.A.S.S. Then in 1988 I founded the Whitetail Institute of North America, inspired by my frustration at not being able to find a really good whitetail forage and my determination to improve the less-than-desirable deer quality we suffered with at the time. I’m happy to say both situations were taken care of.

With my interest in both hunting and fishing, I was excited when I was invited to participate in a new state initiative called Alabama Black Belt Adventures, a program designed to spotlight and promote the state’s exceptional outdoor resources, especially its hunting and fishing lodges. That’s frankly what prompted me to open my own bass lakes and home to a limited number of groups at Ray Scott’s Trophy Bass Retreat.

As much as anything however, I felt gratitude knowing that there are individuals out there who not only treasure our outdoor heritage on a personal level but are willing to expend considerable time and energy to protect and enhance its future for all.

I know that similar efforts — on local levels or statewide — are being made all over the country, sometimes against a mighty strong headwind. Hunting is a sacred tradition in the Black Belt and the South in general. However, in a few other regions, hunters must fight constantly simply not to lose ground.

But with perseverance and the kind of knowledge and support the Whitetail Institute provides, we can be more certain that the next generation of whitetail hunters will continue a proud tradition of responsible management and dedication to conservation principles that will ensure that our sport not only survives but thrives in all of our own backyards.