Contributed photo / Larry CaseYes, it's here - hunting season, that is - and I know you aren't ready. I say this with complete confidence because I readily admit I am not ready.
What shall we do? Wring our hands and lay awake at night worrying about it? No, like the old Indian chief in the movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales," we will endeavor to persevere.
Think back and you will recall we go through something similar about this time every year as summer glides right into early fall. It seems you were at the beach only last week, but then the kids go back to school and the cherry tree in the backyard starts shedding leaves. Somehow another summer of your life has passed, and those old bucks are out there scraping that velvet off of those antlers. They are getting ready, and you should be, too.
So as always, your humble outdoors scribe is here to help and offer advice and guidance as to how you may be better prepared for the 2018-2019 season.
Get your gear (stuff) in order. It's something of a tradition for outdoors writers this time of year to crank out a list of things for you to check on your equipment. I should know because I've done it myself.
Most of us don't give much thought to our hunting gear in the blazing hot days of summer. Get everything out and give it a good look-see. Boots almost surely need to be cleaned up and treated with some waterproofing material; guns need to be checked and probably cleaned. Go to the range with your deer rifle now and make sure you are sighted in - try to avoid the day-before-season rush to see if your rifle is shooting where it looks. Take the time to check every screw on your scope rings and mount now - you'll thank yourself later.
How about ammo? If you've ever tried to find your favorite load for your deer rifle the day before the season opens, I bet you don't want to repeat it. The same goes if you need arrows for your bow. Speaking of that bow, you've already started evening shooting practice sessions, right? Well if you haven't, don't feel too bad, just get it out and start punching holes in that target.
You are definitely late if you haven't dragged your tree stands out and checked them over. Examine all the nuts and bolts on the stand and the straps that connect you to the tree. This is important, as in could-save-your-life important. Do the same with your safety harness. Anything that is worn or frayed should be tossed and replaced now.
Many of us never give a thought of checking maybe the most important piece of equipment that we have: the vehicle that gets us to the woods. Now is the time for a tuneup or an oil change if you need one. How are your tires and battery? Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere makes a good story later, but at the time it is no fun. (Believe me, I know.)
License, please. Most of us who hunt don't think of this when we talk about hunting gear, but it is important.
First, do you have a license for this season? Some state hunting licenses are good for the calendar year, while others run one year from purchase, so make sure you know if yours is up to date.
Believe me when I tell you the DNR offices will get calls the day before squirrel or deer season opens from people wanting to get little Johnny in a hunter education course so he can get his license. Many of these same callers will then become indignant when they are told no class is available just now because such classes have been offered for the past month or so.
Getting a hunter education card for those who need it takes a little planning. This isn't just for the kids. Are you planning a hunt out West this fall? Most states there now require a hunter education card for all ages.
The mind game. I have been thinking about this one for some time. While you are rushing to get ready for another season, trying to get everything you think you might need and wondering if that monster buck you saw last year is still around, let's pause to consider a few things.
Maybe we need to get our minds right before we hit the woods.
It's no secret we live in a world that seems to be running short of the milk of human kindness, and unfortunately we see this among hunters and others in the outdoors. Conflicts between hunters and fishermen, hikers, bikers and anyone who plays in the outdoors are going to occur. Our public lands belong to all citizens of the United States, though, and with just a little bit of courtesy and kindness for our fellow hunters, most conflicts in the woods can be avoided.
We don't all hunt the same way, but if our hunting methods are legal, we should respect our fellow sportsmen and sportswomen and give them the leeway to follow their hunting pursuits as they see fit.
Bow hunters don't always agree with hunters who use dogs; stick-and-string bow hunters may not approve of someone using a crossbow; rifle hunters may not like how the deer season is set. Whatever the possible conflict, it is up to us as ethical hunters to show we can overcome these problems and get along.
If you know a hunter may be in a tree stand in a certain area, maybe run your dog in a different cover today. If you pull into a place on public land and find another hunter ahead of you, how about putting the truck in gear and trying another spot? Most of our public land is woefully underused anyway.
So, my brothers and sisters in camo, do you get my point? Hope so. Here's to having a safe and enjoyable season. I will try to have the truck ready if you will promise to bring some extra shotgun shells and lunch for me. You know I'll forget.
Keep your guns clean, your knife sharp and take a kid hunting!
"The Trail Less Traveled" is written by Larry Case, who lives in Fayette County, W.Va. You can write to him at larryocase3@gmail.com.