Ask Chip

Safe fencing

May is the time in Ohio when seeds are going into the ground, planted by both farmers and gardeners.  And fencing is being constructed this month, as well, to protect the emerging young seedlings so they can grow and become mature plants. But building the wrong type of fencing can be a deathtrap for wildlife, particularly de

camouflaged camera on tree

Mary Lisa Carter

Q. Howdy Chip: I just read your trail camera story in the December 2023 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine. I would like to buy my hubby a good trail camera that will send still photos and videos to his iPhone. What do you recommend? Thanks for any advice!

Piebald deer

With summer in full swing and people spending more time outdoors this time of year, wildlife sightings have been numerous as of late. Below are three of the more interesting critters that readers have contacted me about recently. One has to do with a white deer, and the other two are sightings of gray treefrogs. I

two bald eagles on a nest

Sue Gamble

Q. Hi, Chip: I Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your article “Spring on the wing” in the March 2024 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living print magazine. It was well-written and informative. I had always wondered why some of the red-winged blackbird’s wings were red and some were yellow. Now I know! 

Poison ivy plant

In the June 2024 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living print magazine, I wrote my monthly Woods, Waters, & Wildlife outdoors column about pesky poison ivy in a story titled “Leaves of three, let it be!” In the July 2024 issue, I described my custom-made hiking staff in a column called “Walking-stick work of art.” It wasn’t long before I heard from Bertille Mayberry, commenting on both stories. 

rounded rock

Vickie Adkins

Q. I have a possible Indian artifact that was given to my husband by our next-door neighbor 40 years ago. If it is an artifact, I was wondering what it is and whether or not it’s worth anything. Can you help?