I have not had nearly as much time in the woods getting ready for this hunting season as I would like. My dad and brother have both already gotten deer during bow season, but its been years since I have been bow hunting. Each year I tell myself this will be the year I get back into it.
I have been living within city limits, either Superior or Cloquet, since about 2008. With all the other houses, I didn’t feel comfortable practicing with my bow in my own backyard. Now that I am living in the country and only a 5 minute drive away from several hunting spots, the only excuse I have is working on school work.
Throughout this time I have only been rifle hunting, but had been able hunt in both Minnesota and Wisconsin so most of November was dedicated to being in the woods. Over half my PTO would be spent on getting a little more time in the woods. Its felt a little disappointing the last few years as I have had to prioritize other things.
I am feeling optimistic that the little bit of time I have had to prepare might pay though. I have my trail cam set out most of the summer and into the fall to see who might be wandering by. There is a doe with two fawns that have been regular visitors as well as a family of raccoons. This last week I got really excited to see several bucks, especially when one was during the day. So often I only get pictures of them during the middle of the night, which doesn’t give me a lot of opportunity to see them during shooting hours.
Even if I do not have a successful season, I still enjoy getting out in the woods. This is a time for me to hang out with my dad and brother too. There is a group of guys that we hunt with, so it will be good to catch up with them as well.
