WINTER ESCAPES
www.porchprairiemag.com
Volume 2 • 4
There’s a level of authenticity here at NICHOLAS AIR. No identity crisis, no changing business plans every six months, no massive marketing push touting a pending IPO, and no relying on another’s brand to help build ours. We keep private travel simple— skipping the 30 page contracts and spending more time doing what you want- enjoying the best of private aviation experiences. After 24 years, our mission is still the same: provide The Most Refined Set of Private Flyers with the best aircraft the industry has to offer. Our Members come to us because they want authenticity and reliability, and time and time again, they find it at NICHOLAS AIR.
NicholasAir.com | 866.935.7771 #NicholasAir All aircraft are owned and operated by NICHOLAS AIR . NICHOLAS AIR and INNOVATIVE PRIVATE AIR TRAVEL® are registered trademarks ®2021 NICHOLAS AIR. All rights reserved.
WATCH
EXPERIENCE YOUR BEST SHOT.
TM
Comes in 12ga, 20ga, 28ga, 16ga*, and 410 bore* *Available upon request
Introducing a wingshooting experience like no other. APEX Ammunition is the ultimate in premium, handcrafted shotgun ammunition, carefully and thoughtfully loaded in Mississippi by dedicated, experienced hunters. We pioneered the commercial production of non-toxic, ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). It’s time to experience wingshooting ammunition that out-performs and outpatterns anything else available today. Shop now at APEXammunition.com
2 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES
18
Lowcountry Luxury & Life Well-Lived Bray's Island
28
Music John Baumann
34
Hunting For Shed Antlers SportDOG
38
Staff Memories Christmas
44
60
Roads, Rodeos and the Life of Raggio Raggio Custom Calls
68
A Photo Journey With Anouk Krantz
80
Where to Hit the Slopes
84
The Next Evolution Darren McBurnett
92
Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree Christmas
Faith, Family and More Than A Few Feathers Wren & Ivy
50
100
The Honey Brake Experience Honey Brake
4 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
At Home At Helen Helen
SideBar
08
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
10
CONTRIBUTORS
12
PAGES
14
PLEDGE
16
PASSING THROUGH
48
PARKS Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
106
KEVIN MARTONE A Winter State of Mind
110
PEN & POET Kelsi McKee "Winter's Kiss"
120
BACK PORCH Peder von Harten "Chasing a Feeling"
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 5
MAGAZINE FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Peder von Harten
Spring
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
EQUINOX ENDEAVORS
Kurt Miller, Kelsi McKee, Kevin Martone, Joshua Quong, Robin Young, Rebekah Garbutt, Abby Carlton
Summer
advertising@porchprairiemag.com
INTERESTED IN PARTNERING?
SUMMER RETREATS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Todd Malone
FALL
PHOTOGRAPHERS
winter
Anouk Krantz, Darren McBurnett, Kurt Miller, Mark Davis, Thomas Kjos, Cary Norton, Luca Chiandoni, Matt Foster, Kristen Winegeart, Chris Biggs, Andy Vu, Andrew Spencer
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
WINTER ESCAPES
Porch + Prairie is published four times a year by Flying V Media, LLC DBA Piper Ranch Media,Oxford, MS 38655. Subscriptions are for one and two years (4 issues per year), available at porchprairiemag.com/subscribe Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 587 Oxford, MS 38655
SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to Porch + Prairie, visit porchprairiemag.com/subscribe; or mail to Porch + Prairie, P.O. Box 587 Oxford, MS 38655,
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
WATCH
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT
To offer stories and /or photographs to be considered for publication in Porch + Prairie, email them to todd@porchprairiemag.com. Emails should include full contact information. We reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, brevity and print quality. Porch + Prairie may not be reproduced or photocopied without permission of the publisher Flying V Media, LLC or Piper Ranch Media © Flying V Media, LLC 2021.
PORCHPRAIRIEMAG.COM
Cover photo by Luca Chiandoni WINTER ESCAPES
www.porchprairiemag.com
6 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Volume 2 • 4
#PorchPrairieMag • contact@porchprairiemag.com
Unlimited Released Quail
Tower Pheasant
Walk-up Pheasant Hunts
Five Stand
Released Duck Hunts
Helice
Limited Wild Quail
Tower Clays
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR Peder von Harten - Editor-in-Chief Dear Friends, It is that time of the year where the colder weather, the shorter days, and my more reflective and sentimental moments all seem to collide. For someone who is always on the go, there is something about the early Winter that forces me to slow down a bit and think back on those holidays I had as a kid and thinking about how much has changed over the years. I remember shortly before Christmas last year, I returned home from a trip and got caught up in the nonstop procession of holiday movie favorites. I am still amazed that while I can’t remember what I had for dinner a few nights ago, I can still remember every scene or line from Elf. But my favorite is the old Chevy Chase classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and the tale of the lovable Clark Griswold. Sure, Cousin Eddie and Aunt Bethany steal the show, but there’s one scene where Clark is sitting in the attic, watching the films of himself as a boy at Christmas that I go back to often. I know this scene well. No, not the Clark Griswold version, but my own. It’s hard to put into words, but I put myself in Clark’s shoes every time I watch that scene. In my head, I can see it all clear as day. My grandparents coming through the door, greeted by a breakfast feast my mother prepared for us. The anticipation of us seven kids staring at the gifts under the tree, adorned by handmade German ornaments that we each helped put up. My mother, seated on the floor next to the tree handing out the presents one by one, and my brother Otto, constantly feeding the already roaring fire with some more wrapping paper. It is sensory overload, but in the very best way possible. The pictures of those old holidays may be fuzzy, but those memories are some of the clearest I have. I can’t return to being a kid and I can’t bring back pieces of those memories that have since been called home, but that doesn’t mean those days are gone. With each approaching Winter and Christmas season, I promise myself to take the time to remember what Christmas still means to me. I promise myself to spend time thinking about a time when all was good in the world and how my parents would make each Christmas special for us. It was magical. The chaos of the kitchen, the carefully orchestrated arrival time of my Uncle Fred and Aunt Nancy (slightly after 1pm), and how for that one day a year, nothing else mattered. We were together, on Christmas, and I so wish I could bring it all back. This Christmas, we should all take pause for a moment and remember those holidays gone by. Let the magic of the season take over--- stop and listen to the Salvation Army Santa sing in front of the grocery store, put an extra five in the bucket, or donate a toy to charity in hopes of making some young child’s Christmas special. I assure you that as the temperatures begin to fall, those acts of Christmas spirit will warm your heart. Peder
8 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | SUMMER 2021 - 9
CONTRIBUTORS
Kelsi McKee has been writing poetry and stories since she was old enough to scratch words on paper. She completed her first novel when she was 18 and continues to write while balancing a full-time job in the news industry. Originally from Northwest and a graduate of Texas A&M, Kelsi has enjoyed adventuring across the country and making her way to her current home in the Northeast US. Away from pen and paper, Kelsi enjoys her time on the golf course and of course, cheering on her Aggies.
Kevin Martone balances a busy professional life with his passion for the outdoors. A nationally recognized expert in mental health and the Executive Director of a national non-profit, Kevin’s business travels enable him to enjoy the local culture and landscape in states throughout America. From Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, to New England and across the South, Kevin creates opportunities in the outdoors whenever and wherever he can. Kevin spends his personal time hunting, fishing, trail running, and enjoying sunsets with his wife, Sasha, on the dock of their family pond.
Joshua Quong grew up in the small town of Glen Allan, MS in the Delta. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and philosophy at Mississippi College and a Master’s Degree in eduction from Ole Miss.He taught high school English in North Mississippi for the past 20 years. He lives with his wife Sally and two children Nora and Ray on their family hunting preserve they call Little “q” Ranch where they have run guided quail hunts for the past 11 years.
Robin Young is a senior pre-law student at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS, majoring in Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Intelligence and Security Studies. She is an adventure-lover at heart with a passion for the outdoors and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. In her free time, you can find Robin spending time with her dogs or her two horses named Izak and Too, hiking in a new city, playing the acoustic guitar, or at the gym. Robin is an active member of the Chi Chapter of Delta Delta Delta and the Ole Miss Equestrian Team.
10 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER. The name is sacred- King Ranch- and it has long been the symbol of American strength and expertise in the art of working the land, moving the cattle, and preserving our resources. King Ranch Saddle Shop follows the blueprint of the beloved King Ranch name to create a line of goods that not only allow you to cross over from field to home and back again, but are done only with the quality standards required to wear the legendary Running W brand. Your company deserves the same--- find out today how your to make your brand stand out, proudly backed by King Ranch Saddle Shop.
START THE CONVERSATION TODAY:
CORPORATESALES@KING-RANCH / (832) 551-6057 WWW.KRSADDLESHOP.COM/CORPORATEGIFTS FOLLOW US: @KINGRANCHSADDLESHOP
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 11
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of
America, and to
the Republic for
which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with
liberty and justice for all.
14 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Photo by Andrew Spencer
Passing Through 16 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
LOWCOUNTRY LUXURY Photos courtesy of Bray's Island
W
hat a day it has been.
It’s early evening and as you sit down on the porch, the chirp of the crickets creates a perfect harmony with the flash of the occasional firefly. You’ve settled into a glass of bourbon and crack a smile and short laugh when thinking about the last twelve hours. A polite voice asks you quietly, “what did you do today?” You pause for a moment and smile, replying simply with,
18 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
“what haven’t I done?” The day began long before dawn when those same crickets were just heading off to sleep after a long night before. Three hours of endless casting into the seagrasses that line the intracoastal followed by a later morning horseback session down a dirt lane, lunch, then off to an early afternoon on the course capped off by dinner in the clubhouse. As that last sip of bourbon goes down smooth, you’re reminded, “what a day it has been.”
28 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Hunting for Shed Antlers Written by Josh Miller Photos by Lee Thomas Kjos of Kjos Outdoors
34 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
LIKE NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD
Home to extraordinary wingshooting opportunities, let this special place become your home away from home. With unrivaled hunting, legendary lodging and an uncommon passion for genial hospitality, the Paul Nelson Farm experience is one like no other. Here you’ll experience pheasants flushed by the hundreds, across patchwork fields beneath an endless Dakota sky. You’ll experience that easy banter with friends and family, forging a bond like no other sporting activity on earth. It is their trademark touch that transcends all other hunting lodge adventures. Most of all, it is a place brimming with world-class hunting and hospitality. At hunt’s end, the hospitality of the lodge beckons and begins. “We want you to be extraordinarily comfortable,” are the time-honored words of Paul Nelson. And you will be. Just another day, another trip, to a place like nowhere else in the world.
Paul Nelson Farm www.paulnelsonfarm.com 605-765-2469 PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 37
P+P
Staff Christmas Memories Porch + Prairie was created in part as an homage to the days gone by and the places or people or things that may only be a memory. By telling those stories on our pages though, the memory lingers a bit longer, perhaps a bit fresher, and ultimately leads our readers down a path of reminiscing about those great moments they remember in life. It would be impossible to think of the old days at this time of year without Christmas being the focal point. For someone who usually has something to say, finding the right words to describe it somehow becomes difficult. I can still feel it, I can still picture it all, but I just can’t find the words. If I did find them, well then there aren’t enough pages in the issue to tell the full story. In preparing this issue, I asked our team here to each write out what Christmas means to them and for them to tell their own story about the birth of Christ. We all come from different backgrounds, yet the way the eyes light up on our whole team tells me that the Christmas spirit is still alive in all of us even as the years wear on.
38 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree Written by Robin Young
photo by Amy Lane
44 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Written by Robin Young
I
ncredibly breathtaking and seemingly too good to be true is the best way to describe Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The purpose of WrangellSt. Elias National Park and Preserve was, and is, declared to be to maintain the natural scenic beauty of the diverse geologic, glacial, and riparian dominated landscapes, to protect the attendant wildlife populations and their habitats, to ensure continued access for a wide range of wildernessbased recreational opportunities, and to provide continued opportunities for subsistence use. The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is one of those places so beautiful
49 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
you have to see it to believe it; it is a travel junkie and nature lover’s dream come true. Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest of all of the United States national parks, and it is nearly six times the size of Yellowstone park, consisting of endless mountainous peaks and glaciers after glaciers. There are many facts that justify the Wrangell-St. Elias to be one of the United States’s most notable national parks. First of all, the park contains the largest wilderness area in the National Wilderness Preservation System. It is the world's largest international protected wilderness, thanks to its designation as a World Heritage Site through Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, the Canadian neighbors Kluane National Park and Reserve and Tatshenshini-
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 49
The Honey Brake Experience Photos courtesy of Honey Brake
Built on some of the best waterfowling and accommodations to be enjoyed in the United States, this Louisiana lodge is quickly redefining the total outdoor experience.
51 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 51
Roads, Rodeos, and the Life of Raggio Photos by Mark Davis
61 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 61
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 67
Nature
at Your Doorstep Situated 15 minutes from Oxford, 34 homesites blend seamlessly into nearly 650 acres of rolling pine forests, lakes, wetlands and trails. Hike, boat, fish, or just kick back and relax.
Contact Us
Visit Us
484 County Road 343 Taylor, MS 38675
+1 601.946.0143 info@splintercreekms.com
splintercreekms.com 68 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
A Photo Journey with
Anouk Masson Krantz
69 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 69
THE NEXT
EVOLUTION
85 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 85
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 79
N OT H I N G F I T S L I K E C U S T O M
HANDCRAFTED BOOTS made one pair at a time for those who appreciate timeless quality and enduring, natural materials. From classic and conservative to wildly creative—your boots will reflect your unique style and fit like only true custom can.
MADE IN TEXAS FOR OVER 35 YEARS.
832-694-8300 W W W. T E JA S C U S T O M B O OT S . C O M
80 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Pecos-2056
84 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
www.clintorms.com
(830) 367-7949
Faith, Family, and More Than a Few Feathers Photos courtesy of Wren & Ivy
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 93
Custom. Rechargeable. Bluetooth.
Our mission is hearing conservation so you can continue to enjoy the things you love. No matter your needs—whether you’re a hunter, swimmer, pilot, motorcyclist, musician, construction worker, physician, or a light sleeper, we will ensure your custom earmold fits perfectly and aligns with your lifestyle. OtoProTechnologies.com • 769.230.0834 PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 99
BR
AY S I S L A N D
*
UTH
H CAROLINA
*
SO *
SO
A
UT
CAROLIN
*
the outdoors. Deepen your connection to friends, family and your own adventuresome spirit exploring 5,500 pristine acres of waterways, fields and woodlands.
HUN T ING | SHOO T ING SP OR T S | F ISHING | R IDING | GOLF | DINING
Real Estate Inquiries B R AYSISL AND.C OM | 843.846 .3170 100 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
ISLAND
Brays Island embodies a shared passion for
AY S
As America’s premier sporting community,
BR
Where the Sporting Life Lives
At Home At Helen Photos by Cary Norton
101 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 101
104 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 105
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 109
OFFICIAL TEAM SUPPLIER
WEAR WHAT WHAT THE WEAR THEPRO’S PROSWEAR. WEAR. Blue Delta was honored to be thetoofficial of jean the US Ryder Blue Delta is excited and honored be the jean official of the U.S. Cup Team during their successful campaign at the 2020 Ryder Cup. 2020 Ryder Cup Team. The Official Ryder Cup Edition Blue Delta Jean Join us in celebrating the US team’s victory and own the pants they is here and custom fit for you both on and off course. Join us in wore - The Official Ryder Cup Edition Blue Delta Jean. Please visit celebrating the U.S. team in their pursuit of the Ryder Cup and our website to order your own custom piece of history. Blue Delta for bringing a Mississippi brand to International levels.
110 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
BLUEDELTA.COM | 209 11TH ST OXFORD | @BLUEDELTAJEANS | #BDJFAMILY
WE TOOK OUR SHOT AND CAME UP BIG. YOU CAN TOO.
112 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 112
hedge rows when hoar frost
and
sedge fields
mimics snow
and
in early winter clings to the ground
despite brightness of late morn is where a keen and of bird dogs bound and bullet toward lifted front paw pensive
declaring
of white oak limbs where
the
hidden
the
until it is all too much and bobwhite
heart
anxious brace and
staunch
covey place beneath the slash drums
tail
pile
as the dogs whoa while birds stick
Quail
flush in feathered flurry from under foot
and the first trigger of a box lock fowling piece can only be managed as the bevy breaks apart to find refuge in near by cover save one that did not escape the pattern now safe in the soft clasp of a setter’s retrieve on its way to the hand of the hunter to be kept with care in the
downy
pouch of his game vest
enough delight to last a lifetime but not enough for supper from hedge and sedge the points and reports repeat
By Joshua Quong
by Joshua R. Quong
113 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
114 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
BUSINESS ADVISORY
Brands in the Corr Ventures portfolio are able to capitalize on the expertise and structure of the firm by leveraging over 100 years of experience across a variety of verticals—manufacturing, aerospace, luxury goods, media, natural resources, energy, and land, to name a few.
Corr Ventures recognizes that not all brands are seeking investment capital, but that intellectual capital holds a significant value for brands interesting in retaining their equity, but have a desire to seek outside resources to advise on structure, strategy, or exit options.
PRIVATE EQUITY
BUSINESS ADVOCACY
Working capital continues to be one of the biggest factors in creating a sustainable growth plan for most brands, regardless of size. Corr Ventures specializes in assessing the value of those growth programs and performing and completing capital raises, be it for outside investment in non-held ventures, or to infuse financing into wholly owned or majority owned ventures.
Sometimes you just need a voice. A voice that has been there before. A voice that has weight. A voice that has built successful businesses. And a voice that will stand up for you and fight in the interest of fair business. Our strength, and our weight, matters. And when you need it, we’ll be there for you.
manufacturing
natural resources
aerospace
luxury goods
media
energy
technology
land
CORRVENTURES.COM O X F O R D, M S
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 115
Enhance your backyard grilling experience with the worlds best Santa Maria Grill!
#TimeWellSpent Built out of necessity and designed to be the finest Santa Maria Grill on the market, the Hooray Grill’s relaxing social aspect might possibly be its most valued trait. “Time Well Spent” is more than a phrase, it’s a lifestyle and a belief that meal time is special time often spent with those you care for most. So take the time to create not only a special meal, but a special time as well. From first flame to cooking temperature in fifteen minutes, the Hooray Grill is the beginning of - and life of - every gathering.
HOORAYGRILLCO.COM 116 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
Henry Chee Dodge
ROCK ISLAND
Premier Auction AUCTION COMPANY
®
FINE, HISTORIC, & INVESTMENT GRADE FIREARMS
Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Ram’s Head Pearl Grip, Factory Letter, and Documentation Attributed to Navajo Chief Henry Chee Dodge
DECEMBER 3RD, 4TH & 5TH
Rare, Documented, Factory Game Scene Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Hunter Arms/L. C. Smith A3 Grade Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun Owned by American Industrialist and Philanthropist John Lee Pratt
Rare Factory Game Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Hunter Arms/L.C. Smith De-Luxe Grade Double Barrel Ejector Shotgun
RIAC IS ALWAYS ACCEPTING QUALITY CONSIGNMENT, ONE GUN OR AN ENTIRE COLLECTION! 800-238-8022 or Email: guns@rockislandauction.com
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 117
PORCH + PRAIRIE magazine | WINTER 2021 - 119
Golf is at its purest when nature and course work in harmony to surprise and delight those who play the game. It’s at this crossroads of forward looking course design and habitat preservation that Mossy Oak Golf Club exists. Its soft footprint on the landscape is sculpted by course architect Gil Hanse and shaped with the outdoor knowledge of Mossy Oak, an innovative voice in the world of conservation. The Bryan and Haas family along with 86 Founders have created this partnership to deliver a truly special golf experience in the South – one that accentuates the beauty and habitat of the region and makes a round of golf a full-sensory experience. It’s golf in the South at its finest. It’s Mossy Oak Golf Club. It’s Nature’s Golf.
Phone: 662-524-1000 - One Mossy Oak Drive, West Point, MS 39773 - MossyOakGolf.com 120 - WINTER 2021 | PORCH + PRAIRIE Magazine
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS $1B IN LISTINGS FROM
COAST TO COAST ARROW RANCH Wisdom, MT | $38,514,500 | 14,982 ± acres Known as the Land of 10,000 Haystacks, the Upper Big Hole Valley is quietly famous for its quality hay, incredible scenery, and small-town charm.
WWW. FAY RANC HES. C OM | 8 0 0 .2 3 8.8 6 16 | IN F O @ F A Y R A N CHES .CO M