Dodging Bullets and Thwarting Gators... All in the Life of A DST Programmer

You may think that a computer programmer and website developer is synonomous with an uneventful life, but you'd be wrong.

Case in point, Dream Sporting Trips' own Jeff Masterson. Sure, he's experienced in .NET, .PHP, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery, Flash, and he even develops custom websites in his free time.

Free time? Did we mention that in addition to working for Dream Sporting Trips, Jeff just wrapped up his AA degree from SCF and is now in hot pursuit of a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Management? Go figure.

But this talented programmer has another side, too. Despite the rigorous schedule, Jeff finds time to pursue his passion for outdoors sports, which includes kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and stargazing through powerful telescopes, and that's just for starters. 

We couldn't help but ask Jeff about his most exciting outdoor adventures, and here's what he had to say:

Dream Sporting Trips

Thanks, Jeff, for taking time to talk to us today despite your busy schedule. Please tell us about some of your most memorable hunting or fishing trips, if you will?

Jeff Masterson

I've been kayaking most all of my life, but I've never had an experience like this before. I was kayaking on the Santa Fe River near Gainesville, Florida, and having a great time. I knew there were gators in almost every body of water in Florida, but it's only when you come up close and personal to one when it really hits home.

I was kayaking through some shallow water in an inlet, when I paddled over what I thought was a log. It turned out to be an alligator. A very big alligator. The gator obviously didn't like the intrusion and responded by lifting my kayak out of the water a couple of feet. 

Let me tell you, that gator had my attention fast.

Dream Sporting Trips

Whoa, that's something you wouldn't soon forget! 

Jeff Masterson

No kidding! It's hard to say if dodging a bullet is scarier, but... I was canoeing with my girlfriend on the same river when I heard the unmistakable sound, a whistling noise, of a bullet whizzing past my ear. Trust me, that sound will get your attention in no time at all! We shouted to the shooter on the bank, "Hey, don't shoot!" and he drove away when he heard us yelling.

Who's the worst enemy in the wild? It's tough to say!

Dream Sporting Trips

Thanks, Jeff, for sharing these stories with us. Sure makes us mindful of our surroundings! Hey, do you have a favorite fishing rod by chance? Or a favorite bait?

Jeff Masterson

My favorite fishing rod is one that a friend gave me for my birthday many years ago. I learned to fish when I was about 5 years old. My Dad and my uncle taught me. Believe it or not, I've caught lots of bass with chunks of hotdogs. They seem to love it.

Dream Sporting Trips

Thanks, Jeff, for sharing these stories with us today! Please keep us updated as to any new planets or stars you discover with your telescope, as well as all your other adventures!