I was going to title this “Quill Face” since that does well describe the picture.  But this is more about trust.  The trust between a man and his dog.

Most days Waylon and I get out for a walk/hike between 3 and 5 miles.  If its in town, it’s a walk.  Out of town, it’s a hike…that’s how I see it.  So Saturday’s “hike” was on public access Wy State Trust Land between Sheridan and Ranchester Wyoming, about 5 miles from the Montana border.  Its near the “train station” where the Dutton’s bury the bodies on Yellowstone 😉 It’s where Goose Creek converges with the Tongue River.  It’s quite an extraordinary place.  A beautifully reclaimed area where a coal mining operation operated for decades.  It’s now public open space with hiking trails, fishing ponds, river access and where big game and bird hunting is allowed.  I’m so impressed by the commitment folks here have made to habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation.

Back to the story.  We were hiking, not hunting. BUT, that doesn’t mean we can’t get in a little training and pop up a couple birds…which we did.  Waylon is a flusher, not a pointer.  My last lab Angus, was a pointer.  He would snap to a point when he got close to the scent and would stay still till hunters got in position.  Then I hollered “get the bird”!  Boom, boom, boom. Waylon on the other hand, gets the scent and plows right in…ya gotta be ready.  So when Waylon stopped and “pointed” into a clump of sage brush and tumble weeds I hollered “get the bird”!  Waylon looked at me then back at the brush.  I hollered again. Here’s where the trust comes in. Probably knowing better but trusting me, he says “whatever you say Baggs” and in he goes.  YELP! Out comes Waylon with a very bewildered face full of porcupine quills.

My dogs and I have had run ins with critters before, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, even a badger once!  But never a porcupine.  Ya don’t wanna mess with a porcupine!  God equipped that animal with an awesome defense mechanism.  The quills are not easy to pull out.  They have barbs at the end that work similar to a fish hook. Waylon and I had an intimate conversation as I performed some field first aid.  I told him I was sorry.  He forgave me of course, but asked me to be more careful, I promised I would.

His face is no worse for wear, no lingering effects.  I took him out the next day to an area I knew was thick with pheasants to get him “back on the horse”, so to speak.  I was relieved that he had no problem poppin up some birds despite his experience the day before.  The moral of the story?  You guessed it.  A dog’s trust (love) is unconditional. 

Working Lands & Public Benefits was the name of last night’s public forum at the Best Western Sheridan Center hosted by Western Landowners Alliance.  It’s clear, private land in Wyoming = working lands.  An exceptional turnout of over 100 ranchers, farmers, landowners, wildlife experts and conservationists assembled to discuss “the Wyoming way” of collaboration between landowners, government and the public. 

Half of our state’s territory is privately owned with between 70 and 80% of the state’s wildlife inhabiting those areas.  It is in the best interest of all to integrate people and natural systems in this new era of land management.  Ranching/farming, ecology and reclamation, it was encouraging to hear local ranchers on the panel describing the projects they, in collaboration with government and science, have undertaken on their properties. We heard and saw some amazing success stories! There was discussion of how the public benefits from these “working lands” with description of the public access to private property through the Sheridan Community Land Trust.

With new folks discovering the beauty and serenity of Wyoming and acquiring property here, it is imperative that they too are informed.  It is important to know as much as possible about big-game and wildlife migration, wetlands and the animals that live there “from mice to moose”!  One great resource is Western Landowners Alliance.  If you’re considering buying acreage in Wyoming, learn the Wyoming way and get to know the WLA at  https://westernlandowners.org/.  

Heres’ some thoughts after hosting an Open House at the 1918 Adair Ave property last Sunday.  First of all the weather was gorgeous for a late January day… sunshine and mid 50’s! That had to help the turnout, at least 10 home shoppers that included families, couples, an agent with clients of his, so the gambit really.  The 11a – 1p showing hours I think was ideal.  We benefited I think from “Church rush”. Folks out and about after Church with family and living space on their minds.

It was interesting to hear some of the conversations between couples and families.  They all had their  priorities, including the kids.  Kitchen space, power, age of furnace, sturdiness of the structure, backyard space, garage size etc..  But what I heard consistently was the “potential” for the property.  Folks imagining what they could do to customize that house to make it their home.  That was cool.  I remember doing that with my wife Deb when we searched for our new home here 4 years ago.  All agreed that it was a very unique property.

I learned from some experienced agents to stay out of the way and not “lurk” over our visitors.  I don’t like that, most people don’t.  I said howdy, offered coffee and a cookie then got out of the way.  I answered questions when asked and had a few conversations about family, football and the weather mostly.  I had the listing information printed so pertinent information about the property were available to take with them if desired.  But otherwise, they knew what their priorities were and gravitated to those areas and I left them alone.

We’ll see how it turns out, likely this week.  I sensed buying signals from at least 3 of those visitors.  Fingers crossed that they’ll put in an offer.  I did what I thought was a healthy level of marketing to promote the open house.  I’m not sure which of those methods was most effective as I did not ask the question “where did you hear about us?”.  Maybe there’s a way to do that without it sounding like an interrogation?  Obviously marketing/advertising is key.  Thanks for indulging me one more time. Look for more thoughts here down the road, take care! John

That’s true in most categories!  However it is especially true in real estate.  Someone asked me “john interest rates are up, it’s the dead of winter, is this the time to buy”.  It may be perfect timing.  The market is loosening up!  Interest rates are coming down and folks that were hanging on to property are now listing.

Now IS a good time to get in early with offers before the typical market surge.  Spring/summer is when you could possibly find yourself in competition with other buyers with higher offers.  Most sellers want to move as quickly as possible.  It’s likely that they have a plan that involves the revenue generated from that property sale.

Have a look at the many listings we have posted here on my website.  See if the home or property that fits your criteria is listed now.  I am at your service.

John

john@c21bhj.com