Feeder is Up and Fever is Rising...

I managed to do some serious repair work to my game feeder this past weekend... it had blown over in one of our summer storms and taken a bit of damage to the spreader unit and electronics. With a little patience and some simple hardware we were back in business and things are back up and working.

After setting things up I took a few moments to check stands and look over a few trails we've got eyes on. Things are still looking good, and with the nice weather we've the few short hours spent out there were another welcome reminder that hunting season is here. Muzzleloaders have their final weekend coming up, and then the woods belong to the bowhunters for a few weeks. I'm anxiously looking forward to getting some seat time with my recurve in-hand.

This coming weekend will hopefully be a feeder check, a refill, and more good signs of deer movement. Time in the woods cleanses the soul and refreshes the spirit... and I'm happy to be able to experience both benefits again.

We're Getting Closer...

I got out this past weekend with my dad and my brother to adjust treestands and get things ready... The weather cooperated for the most part, threatening rain all day but holding off and letting us get things done. We were dirty and tired and had a blast.

Now that the stands are up I'm having a hard time concentrating at work... I want to be in the woods. We saw some good sign out there and know the deer are moving thru.

We're getting closer... October is looking good from here.

Proposed Changes to 2012 Kansas Deer Hunting Regulations...

Attention Kansas deer hunters... some not-so-great legislative changes are in the wings and I'd like you all to take a few minutes to learn what they are and how they could affect your future hunting experiences.

I am a member of the Kansas Bowhunters Association, a group that has historically and tirelessly been a fantastic advocate for the wonderful resource we have in Kansas that is our deer herd. The group watch-dogs anything that could adversely affect our resources, and therefore the hunting experience of not just bowhunters (although that is the primary focus) but also that of deer hunters in general. To that end, the proposed changes to the 2012 deer hunting regulations set off a few alarms within the group.

To learn more, click HERE to visit the KBA website and view a PDF of the May/June issue of The Kansas Bowhunter Magazine that we produce. On page 18, you'll see a breakdown of the proposed changes, and on the following page you'll see the response that was presented to the KDWP&T from the KBA.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the proposed changes, you can download and fill out a survey the KDWP&T has made available that will allow you to indicate your views. The survey can be located on the Alerts Page of the KBA website. When you've indicated your opinions, please mail the completed survey to: Deer Survey, 1830 Merchant, PO Box 1525, Emporia KS, 66801-1525. As follow-up to the survey, we are recommending that all hunters send emails to the commissioners about these issues... make yourselves heard. Email links to the commissioners can be found on the KDWP&T site. Upcoming public meeting schedules are also available if you'd like to attend one and voice your concerns directly.

Whether or not you are a bowhunter makes no difference... make the choice to make your opinion known regardless of your preferred hunting method. Whether you agree with the KBA or not, the proposed changes could very seriously affect the future of our resources. In this situation, no news will be considered good news... so if you ignore the chance to speak now you are in-effect giving your seal of approval.

Speak Up...

Anticipation...

Now that the seasons are changing from Summer to Fall and the temperatures are thankfully beginning to drop, there's a hint of something in the air that's incredibly difficult for hunters to ignore. Something that triggers the onset of fidgety hands that have to be sharpening something... knives & broadheads generally. Somewhere shortly after this time the band-aids will also be located and put to good use.

Clothes are inspected and washed. Holes in pants are mended and patched and a memory is probably relived while performing these acts, perhaps of a barbed wire fence crossing or treestand descent that went awry resulting in a loud rip... hopefully just to fabric. Packs are emptied and re-packed, with wonderful little "so that's where that went" discoveries being made during each step. Calls are cleaned and tested, and tested, and tested; much to the dismay of everyone within earshot. Bowstrings are waxed and checked for nicks. Arrows are spun and checked for straightness, fletchings are replaced and nocks are closely scrutinized to make sure they are sound... because nobody likes a dry fire. Catalogs from our favorite stores are read and re-read, with dog-eared pages and lists of "gotta have-its" put together.

All of these things add to one sensation that seems to rule all others at this time of year... Anticipation. It's the anticipation of what's to come at the beginning of each hunting season that drives each of us back to the rituals and routines that cause our spouses to shake their heads and giggle. The sights and smells, the textures and tactile experiences of preparation... bringing each of our senses back to a state of heightened awareness and focusing them for the challenges of the hunt. At least it seems that way.

Anticipation... of what we don't yet know... what may or may not be... a great season or a bust... a freezer full of venison or a chance at the buck of a lifetime. These are the things that stir us now. Many of you out there have already begun your seasons with antelope or elk, or perhaps a visit to the local dove fields and to you I say congratulations. I hope that the wait was worth it and that your preparations have been duly rewarded.

Many more of us are still planning and preparing for opening day of deer season... still packing and mending and sharpening. Still anticipating.

Now where did I put those band-aids...

Welcome to the new blog...

We look forward to sharing many things with all of you here at the News & Views blog. Let's start out by welcoming Bluff Creek Outfitters of Vancleave, Mississippi to the list of dealers for Shaman Camouflage. They joined us through our mutual association with John & Josh Church, and their television programs; High Country TV and Southland Outdoors. The proprietor of Bluff Creek is Chuck Rouse, a true gentleman and purveyor of top-quality archery equipment. His shop is well-worth a visit if you find yourself in the Vancleave area and we're very happy to have him on board with us.

Come back often and learn more about what we're up to here at Shaman Camouflage. We're looking forward to sharing our seasons with you!