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...