Now that the dust has settled and the cobwebs have cleared, I realize that I probably owe a few friends an apology. Missed birthday wishes, unreturned texts, and invitations passed up pretty much sums up my last few weeks of deer season. I could blame it on the holidays or my busy work schedule, but I am now admitting that I was totally obsessed with deer hunting. It’s not like I did not have many hunts, as there were plenty. Nor was it an off year since I harvested two bucks and a doe.
Looking back, I realize that I was on a mission to hunt every opportunity that came my way. I was feeling that dread that comes over you when your favorite season (next to turkey hunting) draws to an end and you can’t believe it will be another 8 months until you can experience the insatiable thrill of hunting whitetails. There were so many amazing hunts this season. When I was not seeing deer, I was seeing hogs and I have to admit with three deer and three hogs down all with clean shots, I have a lot to be happy about.
Since deer season drew to a close, I’ve had a great duck hunt and, I have a quail hunt on my schedule for February. So yes, I have moved on and I finally can clearly see that I can and need to control this impassioned desire to hunt. After all, it is only a couple of months till my “other love” rolls around… turkey hunting!
Like deer season, turkey season has a way of gripping you like a viper on a mouse. When you are not in the woods, you are thinking about it. When you are not thinking about it, you are asleep. Now that I am no longer in denial of this impending problem, I am going to be very careful not to repeat the same pattern I had with deer hunting. I promise I will not become that hard to recognize shadow of a person who looks more like a tree than a human. I assure you my friends, I’ll be there for you when you need me and that is not just turkey talk!
I know your pain!!! I’m like Travis….keep writing on the topic we hold in our hearts….hunting and we shall be entertained until our next hunt.
Exactly!!!! That’s what I plan on doing! Thanks, Kim for letting me know that I am not alone!
So very true! Folks who don’t hunt really don’t understand the passion and commitment to hunting that hunters have. I have forgotten a few birthdays this year also…the new plan…buy all the card, address the envelopes and keep them with my planner…hoping this works : )
The Note sections in my datebook say: August – no appointments, baiting. September – No appointments, bear season. October – No appointments – archery deer, turkey, grouse. November – No appointments, deer. December – If I sucked, no appointments for the first week, black powder. Conversations with friends start with “Can you go….” and end in “No, sorry. It’s ________ season.” Putting food on the table is serious business.
Exactly! It makes us feel good when we can share our harvest with these special friends! That’s full circle!
The hunting blues. Quail will help.
can’t wait to go to George hi Plantation to hunt quail next month!
I’m sure everyone understands. Just keep writing your magnificent blog to keep us updated on the Hunting world and the great Recipes for all of us to enjoy. Thanks Travis C
Thank you, Travis! Had to get this out there. It is all true. All deer hunters understand I’m sure!