Bud Fields says a heart-felt good-bye to his readers

Hello, folks. We have all heard that old adage, and now I guess the time has arrived for me to repeat it. After some long and difficult consideration, I regretfully announce the time has arrived that I make the difficult decision to “hang up my spurs” and retire as an outdoor columnist. Golly, it has been a great ride!

I started writing as a contributing writer for several outdoor publications back in the late 1960s and early 1970s and progressed into writing for several sponsors’ websites on the Internet. But it wasn’t until my good friend and fellow outdoor writer John Martino recommended me to the Kokomo Perspective that I started writing full-time. I wrote for them for just over 22 years.

After I left them, the Peru Tribune offered me the position as their outdoor columnist, and I was writing for them for almost 3½ years. They decided to eliminate the outdoor column, so I decided to cease further writing offers.

My long-time friend Pat Munsey and I had worked together at the Kokomo Perspective for many years, and he had become the publisher for the Kokomo Lantern. He offered me the opportunity to resume writing the “Outdoors with Bud” column for him, and I accepted.

I had missed sharing tips and techniques with the people who had followed my column for many years. A short time later, I was also offered the opportunity to host the “Outdoors with Bud” podcast, and that was really exciting and kept me busy.

Due to unexpected circumstances, a few health issues, and scheduling issues, it has become increasingly difficult to fulfill my obligations. So, at this point, I have decided to retire and concentrate on feeling better and enjoying my family. Hopefully, I will turn the position as an outdoor columnist over to a much younger individual who can share ideas with you.

At this point, I want to sincerely thank you, the people who have followed my work for many years and encouraged me. You also complimented me many, many times. Even though I will no longer be writing and hosting programs, you can always contact me directly if I can ever help you out.

Most of all, I want to say thank you to Pat Munsey for the honor of representing him and the Kokomo Lantern, and I wish them nothing but the best of luck going forward.

Best wishes, folks!

Bud Fields