The Dog Days of Hunting

WELL, THE DOG DAYS of summer have arrived. Duck season is over. Deer season is a memory and turkey season for this year is now history.

In most States, when the seasons are over, so is the hunting. The summer months usually mean that the fishing lines are getting wet and big fish are being caught in most states.

Not so in Texas!

Oh, the fishing season is most definitely in high gear. Plenty of fish are being caught, but for those who like to pull a trigger or a bow string, hunting season never ends.

There are plenty of animals to hunt during the “off season.” Exotics are available and hogs are plentiful. Some may want to hunt for sheds to see whether that “big buck” has made it through the deer season unscathed.

Personally, I enjoy hunting hogs—from a safe location. I’ve never had the opportunity to hunt exotics and as far as searching for sheds, It is WAY too hot for me.

I will admit that the largest antler shed I ever stumbled upon was in Texas. Enjoying the outdoors is a love of mine, but not in extreme heat and humidity. No sir. I would rather spend my time either fishing or going through my hunting gear.

My wife tells me I have too many things when it comes to hunting.

Is she serious?

I ask you, how can a hunter have too many hunting gadgets? Why, my wife herself bought me a new pop-up blind for Christmas last year. It has see-through mesh walls on two sides. It is like sitting in the wide open, but the animals cannot see you. Now THAT is way cool. I actually used it this past turkey season and was amazed at how well it concealed any movement I might have made. 

I will admit I have an abundance of tree stands. So many in fact, that I am not even sure I know where they all are. So, I guess that is one thing I do not need any more of. Unless, of course, a company comes out with a new stand that has features I do not currently have. Then it would be a must to at least try out. I’m sure the wife would understand.

I have plenty of turkey calls. I have slate calls, diaphragm calls and box calls. I am indeed all set in that department unless a company comes out with a new call that can do it all and sounds absolutely incredible and realistic.

I have had no trouble calling a bird in shotgun or bow range with the calls I have, but, hmmm, It IS a new one. I am sure my wife would have no problem with me buying one.

My camo is in good shape. Had it for many years, both light and heavy camo. Consequently, I just avoid the camo clothes section all together when I visit Bass Pro.

After all, the whole object of camo is to be able to blend in with your surroundings. It does not have to be brand new. I have been told that a few rips and tears here and there give it some character.

I guess if I happen to accidentally find myself strolling around some new camo, I might purchase some. I am just thinking of the nation’s economy mind you. I am very sure my wife would recommend it—if she were with me. She is very patriotic.

Now, boots are plentiful in my hunting closet. I definitely do not need another pair of those. I use the ankle boots for scouting and turkey hunting. I also have rubber boots that are lightweight for working outside.

I always keep a good pair of heavy insulated rubber boots for those cold mornings during whitetail season. I think I might even have a few pairs of insulated boots.

What can I say? My feet get cold.

Wait a minute—now wait just a minute. I do not have any snake boots. I am sure I need those. I think of it as medicinal and a safety precaution.

God forbid I should step in a wrong spot and get attacked by a ferocious snake. I can only imagine what would happen If I were hunting alone. I am pretty sure my wife would want me to be safe. Okay, I will order them.

Now, firearms I have enough of. I have got a few 12-gauge shotguns, a couple of 20-gauge shotguns, a .22 rifle and a few larger caliber rifles in my safe. I think I have a gun for every animal I decide to hunt.

One is used only for turkeys. Another is only used for deer. One is set up especially for coyotes, and I keep the .22 handy for some small game hunts.

I have a crossbow and three compound bows. The one firearm I do not have though, is a good pistol. I am sure I can get by without one. After all, I have been hunting now for more than 40 years and never had a call for one. I am pretty sure I can get through many future hunting seasons without having a pistol by my side.

On the other hand, every true blue hunter should own a pistol. I think I would be letting down all the other hunters out there. I feel it is my obligation—Yes that’s right, my obligation to own a new pistol. My wife will not understand but hopefully, she will get used to it.

There, I feel much better now. I hope that I have inspired all the hunters out there not to spend your money on foolish hunting gadgets you do not need.

However, if you finally decide you actually could use something new to get you through those dog days of summer, then my advice is to go for it. Your wife will understand.

Have fun and hunt safe.

 

Email Lou Marullo at ContactUs@fishgame.com

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