So where in the world did the summer just go!
I just looked at the calendar and this coming weekend begins hunting season. Oh man, I ain’t even started to get ready yet. I’ve been so busy, fishing, camping and having general summertime fun that time has totally gotten away from me.
Let the Games Begin
Monday, September 1, 2014 is the day of new beginnings. I know most don’t see fall as the time of new beginnings, but for a hunter’s soul such as mine, fall is the magic time of the year. You all can have spring time as new growth, the soul’s rebirth begins with the cooling temps, leaves changing colors and fresh wild meat cooking on the grill. Yea, I know September 1st will be a hot day with temperatures more liking a beach day than a hunting day, but you just got to believe in the change to feel it.
I just can’t believe I have let things go like I have. The next few days are going to be pretty hectic. I’ve got to wait until Thursday’s payday, then on Friday after work, I’ll make a run to Bass Pro Shop in Hanover Maryland for supplies. Let’s see, I’ll need a case of 12 gauge shot shells for killing Canada Geese. I think there are a few still rolling around behind the seat of the truck from last season if I get into a real bind. I’ve got enough dove shells to get me through, but wait, I don’t have a dove field this year. Help ! Anybody got a field I could join them for a dove hunt? I know bow season is still another week away but I do need a dozen arrows, and new broadheads. Man, my mind is racing, I don’t even know what all I need.
At the end of last season, I had thought of replacing my 20 plus year old Browning shotgun this season, but I guess not, she’s good for at least one more season. The goose decoys need dug out of the shed. Oh man, I just remembered the mess of tangled duck decoys in the big green bag from the last day of duck season. I better get that mess straighten soon. I got until October until duck season, they’ll have to wait. But the Goose floaters do need new lines and cleaned. Decoy string goes on the shopping list.
I’ll do that on Saturday. Then on Monday, the opener for Resident Canada Goose season, I’ll go to one of my old favorite places on the Potomac where I’ve been seeing geese over the summer when I’ve been fishing. Good, I’ve got that morning covered. Geese on the river, sneak boat style, then a little smallmouth fishing. but wait, someone stole my bike from storage, dang it, I guess I’ll be walking back to the truck.
If I’m going to hunt the Southern Maryland hunting co-ops, I better register for my permit. Well. shoot, I can’t do that until I get my license. I better do that online as soon as I finish writing this blog.
And deer archery season starts on September 6th. Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I have not shot my bow all summer. A big no, no. And scouting, let’s just say, I’m glad I’ve been hunting the same farm for a few years now. So, I guess I’ll be shooting my bow everyday after work next week. There is that little yard between the parking lot and the river at the apartment that has the big hill I could shoot against. I sure hope the folks at my apartment building don’t mind.
This is crazy, I’ve never been so unprepared for hunting season before. In the past, I would spent countless hours shooting my bow wearing out a target or two. Then there would be the Tuesday nights at the trap range perfecting my swing. Evening after work, I would scour the woods, dissecting each and every deer trail in preparation for the coming season. And the road miles looking for the perfect field where the geese are feeding in the morning, that sure hasn’t happened.
So, it looks like I am totally unprepared, but maybe not. I’ve got Thirty years of hunting experience to lean on and draw from. Maybe this unprepared approach will help me try new things and hunt new places. yea that’s the plan. Go with my gut this year, look at the now and hunt accordingly.
Good luck to all my hunting buddies as the new season begins this weekend. I hope to see you out there in the woods and fields this year. Now, just where did I put that Lone wolf climber of mine?
