I Smell Fall!

Okay, I admit it; it’s quite the stretch from record breaking, sweltering Texas summertime heat to the soul cleansing, inspiring cool weather of October, but with a hint of spiritual memory muscle effort, I am able to miraculously transport myself to the dreamy magic of our favorite season anytime I so desire.

Just after daybreak each June, July and August sunrise, I grab my new Mathews Image bow and a handful of GoldTip zebra arrows and hit the 3-D range, letting my imagination convince me that those big game targets are actually the real thing and if I really go the limit, pretend there is a hint of frost in the air. I am telling you I can make it as real as can be.

From varying distances and topographical conditions, I recreate actual real-world hunting sensations to test my archery form and predator concentration. In doing so, I generate near equal excitement and adrenalin that forces me to become One with my hand-eye coordination, focus, form, and critical shot sequence. The training is not only incredibly fun, but the ultimate responsible preparation for the real-thing in the not-too-distant future.

I have setup ladderstands and groundblinds on my Michigan and Texas archery courses, thereby duplicating the exact physical experience as my daily bowhunts come September through February.

Such duplicate stands will train me to feel comfortable and execute my shots in the same position and manner as my stands in the woods, fields, swamps and varying terrain on my hunting grounds.

Even though careful forethought for stand positioning is based on historical and traditional anticipated game movement and prevailing winds, we all know that there are no rules when it comes to predicting animal behavior, so I make it a point to take practice shots at every imaginable angle and distance. 

My Muddy ladderstands are setup at only 12-14 feet heights, but I make sure there is ample silhouette breaking cover to effectively conceal me for that moment of truth hard earned shot. I feel safer and therefor more comfortable at such heights, and when relaxed and comfortable, we are certainly able to be more ready and accurate.

When I practice shooting from my ladders, I am sure to wear my Hunter-Safety System fall restraint harness to duplicate actual hunting conditions and movement considerations.

Without some such practice, we can be thrown all akilter if that strap ever gets in our way and we are not experienced in adapting to it.

There are times during the summer preparations that I will head for a particular stand and try to kill a squirrel, racoon, groundhog, or maybe even a hog, fox, coyote, bobcat or exciting exotic in Texas.

We all know that early fall hunting temperatures can often be just as uncomfortable as summer heat, so it is a good idea to experience it before the season. I don’t know about you, but I sure as hell love it no matter what, sweat or chills.

All that pre-season archery fun can also be enjoyed in the exact same ways with my rifle and handgun as well. Triggertime in all its forms is the best practice in the world, and always as fun as fun can be.

So, as I wrap up my final rock-n-roll tour, “Ted Nugent Adios MoFo ‘23” after 65 years of firebreathing Gonzo music with my 6,821st rockout on August 21 in Ardmore Oklahoma, I have this funny feeling that my hunting time and hunting preparation regimen will expand exponentially as time goes on. If that isn’t the American Spirit of the Wild Dream, I don’t know what it! Go for it.