Jun 13, 2015 4 min read

Most people do not walk around fearing it. They might worry about a harmless black bear taking up residence or a rabid raccoon but take the attitude that if you can’t see it then it can’t hurt you.

Not only can’t you see it but it is tasteless, can’t be felt and has no odor. But it’s there. I am talking about radiation. Just because you cannot touch, see or smell it that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

I had a call from a hunting buddy, Bobby Rogers of Ruff Creek, telling me that something was going to break about radiation in Ten Mile Creek. Seems Bob was on the ball and correct, but it also was said that the DEP has known about it for a year. I can’t help but ask how many children played in the water of Ten Mile and the other creeks in that year and how many fish have been caught and eaten during that span of time?

For 20 of the 31 years I worked for a large company, I was required to wear a radiation detection badge. So, while not an expert, I do understand the dangers somewhat.

Much of the problem is what is called bio-accumulation.

The dirt and plant life in the stream absorb the radiation and the small living creatures in the water eat them on the bottom of the stream. Along comes a fish and eats the small creatures and man catches and eats the fish. I understand the radiation grows stronger as it moves to a higher level in the food chain.

Old folks like me will probably die before the radiation of today kills us, but it is the children that may be affected 20 or 30 years from now just because they swam in water carrying high amounts of radiation. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t make it safe.

• There was another bear sighting last week in Washington County. What makes this one interesting is the fact that it wasn’t far from where I live.

Paul Katrencic was one of those who watched as the bear crossed 519 near the old Maggi Golf Course then moved along the railroad tracks heading along the property owned by my friend and candidate for North Strabane Township Supervisor Neil Kelly.

Maybe he was heading for my place. I hope so because I’d like to get a photo.

While big and armed with tooth and claw black bears are not the fearsome creatures many think they are.

• A couple of weeks ago I explained why someone might need more than one varmint rifle. After all, some fields might be shorter than others offering less of a challenge with the old reliable 22-250.

Much the same can be said about the big-game rifles. After all, some long guns are called brush guns, while others are long-range rifles. And let’s not forget the all-around rifle.

So you see, a different rifle is needed for different endeavors.

Luckily for you, Saturday, June 20 is the weekend of the gun show at Arden.

We all have different reasons for attending gun shows. There are those who simply collect.

They want their purchase to be as produced. If the stock on that pre-64 model 70 has been cut for a pad, it is hardly collectable. If additional holes have been drilled in the receiver, its value drops tremendously.

Of course, the more common the chambering, the lower the value. It’s that old rule of supply and demand.

Interestingly, it’s usually the unpopular chamberings that are the most desired.

Then there are those who buy rifles to shoot. They like the workmanship of the older models but carry them afield so it doesn’t matter if the rifle has been altered a bit as the rifle is to be used.

While these two would make up most buyers, some just like to look at their rifles. To them, a nice-figured piece of wood raises the value of the gun as does a bit of engraving.

Someone once asked me why I would buy a rifle when at my age I should be selling? I said I shoot them three or four times a week but, more importantly, I just like to look at them.

My son is a successful artist and people pay big bucks for his paintings. Why? They just want to look at them.

See you at the show Saturday and Sunday, too.

George H. Block writes a Sunday Outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter.