Wake up and greet the hunting season

That annoying alarm clock is buzzing to get you out of bed. However, it is not the typical wakeup call that screams, “Get to work.” This morning you get to go deer hunting.  It’s the one time of the year that you jump out of bed with excitement drooling over, like a dog with a bone. Splash some water on your face, get your warm clothes on that you set out the night before, and brew a fresh pot of coffee.

Many veteran hunters will go to deer camp to feast on the last bit of deer meat from the year prior, before adding new meat to the freezer from the upcoming hunt. After breakfast you get the truck warmed up before heading to that honey hole that you scouted all year.

A trip to the tree stand or a ride to the hills puts you in position to wait. The sun begins to rise and that big mature deer exposes himself. All the hard work of setting up trail cameras and early mornings is about to pay off.

The first time hunter feels like Christmas is coming early. All night images of deer run through their heads. Many will accompany their parents with hopes of finding that perfect first deer. The parents will devote all their effort to seeing a smile light up on their child’s face when they hold their first deer. In this instance, the size of the deer does not matter. The only thing that matters is the story of the hunt and who the hunt was shared with. Many memories will be made over the course of the next week that will last a lifetime.

The most important thing to remember during this exciting time is safety. Opportunities to shoot can come faster than expected, which can lead hunters to act before thinking. Always make sure the gun is on safety, only point the barrel at something you intend to shoot, wear hunter orange, and be aware of your surroundings. There is no deer worth a life, no matter how big it may be.