Montana is full of outdoorsmen and women. Many folks migrated here to enjoy the diversity of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Each season has its highs and low points for us all.
During the Winter, skiers thrive. If you don’t ski, maybe learn to ice fish. Every outdoor fanatic finds something to do.
It’s easy to locate these Sportsmen in your neighborhood. Just look at their mailboxes. When you have too much time on your hands, the mailbox becomes a target to celebrate your outdoor interest.
My mailbox is covered in Trout Spots. Trout fishing was one of the main reasons my family ventured to Big Sky Country back in the 1960’s. Like many pioneers, we loaded up our modern-day Conestoga, a U-Haul truck, and made Montana our new home.
The Postal Service requires a certain height and hinged door to make them complain about having mail delivered. A flag signals when mail needs to be picked up. Mailboxes are also protected by Federal Law. If the mailboxes are vandalized or abused, you can notify the local authorities.
One Montana homeowner made their mailbox look like a Glock 40 caliber handgun. It met Postal Service requirements, but a few neighbors took offense and tried to have it removed. The Pistol is still accepting the mail. Not everyone may approve of your creative mailbox but oh well. Other mailboxes look like they belong in a dumpster or have other decorations. To each their own.
Other homeowners enjoy shooting sports so boats may be in order. Hunters like critters that they hunt. Skiers use skis or ski lifts to make their mailbox more Montana suitable. Once you observe a personalized mailbox, stop by, and visit the like-minded neighbor. You may have more in common with them than you know. The custom mailbox is a way to say that these sportsmen are not ashamed of their sports and invite others to do the same.
Enjoy your mail!
Montana Grant
