"If you're like me, you long for the crisp days of fall with the aroma of decaying leaves, the rush of a grouse flush and the ballet of the woodcock rise. We are for the most part a solitary group, a minority if you wish, disciples of uncivilized places and wild birds."

Upland Journal Online Magazine & Bulletin Board will be 7 years old in late March of 2009. What started as just an idea has evolved into a web community that stretches coast-to-coast, into Canada and abroad.

The Upland Talk Bulletin Board is the heart-and-soul of UJ and boasts over 2000 registered and participating Members and countless Guests and Visitors. This expansive board has become THE place for upland bird hunters to share knowledge, gain information, and just plain shoot the breeze. The UJ site/BB enjoys a wide range of member resources from veterinarians, to gunsmiths, to dog trainers and breeders. Established writers and wildlife artists have also found the site/BB to be a rich source for ideas and inspiration. But it's the earnest bird hunters on the Board that bolster the mix and make it such a rich and unique meeting place.

"UJ Get-Togethers" continue to be annual events, so much so that there is a Forum devoted to these activities. Folks who have met on UJ gather from all corners of the country for bird hunts, skeet/clay shooting, dog training, or just to meet and enjoy one another's company. The networking created through the board has cemented many lifelong friendships.

None of the above could be possible without the generosity of the Contributing Members using the Subscription/Donation format. Contributing Members enjoy enhanced capabilities including a Swap & Trade classified ad Forum and an Upland Artisans Forum. These Forums provide more information, opportunity and resources to all members. Information can be found by reviewing the 2008 UJ Business Plan Topic on the Administration/Moderating Updates Forum: 2009 UJ Business Plan.

The Upland Gear store is open for business with new UJ merchandise and bird hunting products. The future looks bright as the success of the site/BB continues, allowing me more time to devote to the UJ venture as a whole.

The Online Magazine side plays second fiddle to the Board yet still has unlimited potential but will require a complete site redesign and development to tap that potential.

I am looking forward to another year of entertainment, information, commiseration and comradery. See you all on the Board.

Brad Eden
Owner, Publisher, Editor, Moderator & Art Director
Upland Journal Online Magazine & Bulletin Board

Letter From the Editor, 2005
Letter From the Editor, 2003/2004
Letter From the Editor, March 2002