Author Archives: Jerry Johnson

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About Jerry Johnson

Retired journalist and college public relations director. Former teacher, coach, mentor. Novelist and short story writer.

The covenant

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

The introduction to my latest book, Coot Dogs – An Anthology of Dog Stories by a Crazy Old Coot, “The covenant” is my explication of the bond and the communion that bird hunters share with their dogs. It has been … Continue reading →

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Christmas gifts for my grandchildren

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

This Christmas essay was posted five years ago on the Dispatches from a Northern Town blog. As this year of 2020 comes to an end, a year of much trial and turmoil and suffering, Christmas gifts for my grandchildren seemed … Continue reading →

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Blindsided

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

No doubt about it: this was clearly a crime of passion. Fueled by a dangerous mix of testosterone and endorphins, and armed with a hefty set of antlers, the whitetail buck attacked and ripped apart one of my ground blinds. … Continue reading →

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883 cow photos

Posted on December 9, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

Reminder to self: remove the SD cards from the trail cameras before the cattle are moved to the hilltop pasture! A mixed herd of Jersey dairy heifers and Devon beef steers cell-grazed our hayfield – five-acre plots at a time … Continue reading →

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Coot Dogs – An Anthology of Dog Stories by a Crazy Old Coot

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

A NEW BOOK! Coot Dogs – An Anthology of Dog Stories by a Crazy Old Coot. And just in time for Christmas. The latest of five books in the Old Coot series is available through Amazon at Coot Dogs. Although … Continue reading →

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How to read the solunar hunting-fishing calendar

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

Long years ago, a hunting companion confessed to me that he was a firm believer in those calendars that portend to list the best dates and times for hunting and fishing, based on “Solunar Forecasts and Predictions.” He swore by … Continue reading →

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Looking away

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

The whitetail doe and her twin fawns served as a distraction, a decoy, that made me neglect the primary objective of my evening hunt. Apparently, as I get older, my focus on the task at hand is more easily diverted. … Continue reading →

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Aurora, goddess of the dawn

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

Let me explain how this works. It’s not at all complicated. Sometimes when you least expect it, there is a new beginning, a new hope for the future. Late in life, I have discovered, comes a glow of dawn, a … Continue reading →

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Baiting and road hunting

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

Frantically working 12 to 16 hours every day for a month to harvest corn in the hilly North Country, it was bound to happen: a corn spill on our dead-end road. We sympathized with the truck driver. Our road is … Continue reading →

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4 points to the 9th power equals zero

Posted on October 24, 2020 by Jerry Johnson

The four-point buck was standing right below Heather’s ladder stand at the edge of the woods. About 11 feet away, as evidenced by the trail camera photo. A clueless yearling fork horn, just loafing along. Couldn’t possibly miss this shot. … Continue reading →

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