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ADVENTURE SPORTS OUTDOORS “The Voice of the American Sportsman”
January 2018
RX FOR THE JANUARY BLAHS
season by reliving it through the telling of hunting successes to teammates. We all know that the more we relate a story— the better it gets.
by Marlene Odahlen-Hinz
marleneasomag@gmail.com
For about the last four months nearly all my free time revolved around bowhunting. In January my hunting routine suddenly stops, and I seem to have lots more spare time on my hands. Even though the whitetail season is over I can still keep a little bit of that hunting excitement with me. REORGANIZE: Clothing Sorting through my hunting clothes is the first thing I devote my attention to as a new year begins. Before washing and treating my favorite camo clothes with Scent Killer I evaluate the pieces I wore most often to see if they need to be repaired or replaced. It is easy to launder my hunting cloths now while all my scent reducing soap is within easy reach. I then pack them away along with a “back up” set into my airtight container and I’m a step ahead in my preparation for next season. Next I separate the remaining pieces in my closet into piles I’m likely to wear a few times during an entire season (i.e. heavier jacket, shirt, underwear, rain
gear etc) and store them in a separate tub. Finally, I look at the remaining pieces and try to figure out when the last time was that I actually wore them. If I can’t remember, they either get labeled for inclusion at a future garage sale or get dropped off at center like Goodwill.
SCOUTING: Weather permitting, I like to take a stroll around my hunting property and follow those trails that the snow had made so obvious. It helps me understand how the deer movement has change once colder weather hits. I also look for bedding areas and of course rubs that were made during the rut. All of this sign helps me pull together a plan for the next hunt. If I’m lucky I might even find an antler shed which tells me, if its owner survives the winter, I may have a chance of seeing him with an even bigger crown on his head.
to think about replacing those worn or faded bib overalls or any other articles of clothing you may have just discarded.
Equipment: I use the first of the year to give all the equipment I carry during hunting a once over. I clean out my back and fanny packs of dried leaves, sticks and uneaten cookies. Then I make a list of things I need to have in them for the next fall’s opener and later on for the rut. I want to make sure my packs have skinning gloves and a recently sharpened knife, an extra flashlight, and batteries just to name a few items. Making a list helps me remember to return items I may have taken out and used during the spring or summer.
SPORT SHOWS: Attending local sport shows certainly help brighten up those January blahs. I enjoy listening to the seminars given by experienced hunters at these expos and classics. I always come away with new information and tips I can use for the next season. After the first of the year many sportsmen’s clubs and organizations have their annual fundraisers and banquets. I attend, as well as volunteer at, several of these events each year. It feels great to be around people who share the same interests and can relate to our field experiences. I also enjoy knowing that the money I spend at these fundraisers benefits wildlife and promotes hunting.
SHOPPING SALES: Department stores are not the only ones who advertise sales after the holidays. Archery shops often have sales to make space for the new bow models and other state-of-the-art archery tackle. Sporting goods stores always offer deals on camouflage clothing not to mention tree stands and blinds once Christmas is over to make room for equipment needed by local ice fishermen. Now is the time
LEAGUES: Nothing keeps the spirit of the outdoors and bowhunting fresh in our minds better than joining a league at local clubs. It is an excellent way to keep those muscles stretched and toned while waiting for the next whitetail season. Knowing I have team members expecting me to join them each week keeps me in the routine of shooting regularly. And what better way to extend the hunting
SPRING TURKEY HUNTING (saving the best for last). For me the best medicine for those January blahs is knowing that in a few months I can be turkey hunting. As I sort through clothes and equipment I keep in mind what I’ll need for this spring hunt and set it aside. I also seek out turkey seminars and clinics in my area sponsored by the DNR, sporting goods store or a sportsmen’s club to attend. With the spring wild turkey season so short I want to be as well prepared as I possibly can with the best techniques and strategies that will bring a tom or a jake within shooting range. So, until next month, don’t forget to take your daughter, granddaughter or niece bowhunting.
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