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Woods, Waters, and Wildlife
Deer season is over except for Managed Land Deer Permit holders. Quail season is still open for any lucky hunters with quail on their deer leases or know other outfitters.
But wild turkey season is still over a month away. What’ll we do if these don’t provide comfort NOW?
Deer Season withdrawal has left some of us at a loss for something to fill that hollow place in our lives.
After much thought, these suggestions are offered to help us get through the empty days until turkey season.
First, spend some time cleaning equipment from the recently ended season. I know, cleaning gear is like something our mothers might have repeatedly harped on as we were growing up. But the melancholy smell of Hoppes Number 9 or any other scented solvent just might take our minds off season’s end. But that only lasts for too short a time.
The first thing that comes to mind is to be with other hunters. There’ll be a bunch at the Dallas Safari Club’s annual Convention on February 6–8 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Day passes are available. Tons of new hunting equipment is exhibited – like new hunting blinds. Google it … and attend. DSC: 972-980-9800.
A little hunting is still open: South Zone Javelina season is open year around. North Zone closes February 22, as does East Texas squirrel season. Then squirrel season reopens May 1-31. All other counties are open year around. So is rabbit season. East Zone Light Goose season closes February 15. Quail season closes February-28. Other Duck and Sandhill Crane seasons are closed. These might help.
Shooting ranges aren’t as crowded now as they were in the fall and practicing with your deer rifle boosts accuracy and confidence. You should know where it hits at 100 and 200 yards. Do you?
Patterning your turkey shotgun at 30, 40, and 50 yards will also help when that season rolls around -- and takes your mind off deer season withdrawal, too. And February is varmint month around our casa.
If you or a friend has a deer lease with abundant coyotes the landowner needs thinning, he might welcome you – especially if he runs cows, sheep, or goats. Coyotes love their babies, and this also improves your accuracy later. Hog hunting is another possibility.
A hunting sport that doesn’t include shooting is shed -- antler hunting. Finding annually dropped antlers is fun and tells you things about your deer.
I’ve saved working off deer season and holiday pounds until last so you’d keep reading. Most of us usually take snacks to the blind. That can be habit and weight forming over our 60-day deer season! My pockets usually have M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or NutterButters.
Hiking, jogging, or my favorite workout — waterwalking in the Y’s pool — usually takes off the excesses within a few weeks. Coaching a kid’s soccer, football, baseball, or volleyball can do it, too, if you get a little running in with your coaching.
So, try it!
