Hunting season is quickly approaching and I am excited as ever. I am spending countless hours looking at satellite imagery of the unit I will be hunting this fall. Getting some gear ready, buying more gear, and researching.

Hunting has always been either a direct or indirect part of my life. Growing up, my dad and grandfather hunted at every opportunity they had. I would go along for the ‘ride’ (which actually involved a lot of walking) often. When I hit the appropriate age, I went to the Hunter Education/Safety course, and then started putting in for the junior deer and javelina hunts.

As I got older, at times other things captured my interest. I would miss a season or two (or five!). Due to this, inexperience and the seeming difficulty of hunting I have a limited success rate, but I’ve always found it quite fun, and the feeling I get looking at a buck through a scope is exhilarating; no matter if I take the shot or not, hit or not.

For reasons I have not quite pinned down, I am more excited for this coming hunting season than any other in the past. It could have something to do with the personal mission I’ve set myself on to spend more time outdoors. It could have to do with the fact that it looks like my brother might actually be able to join dad and I this year. It could be that it’s been far too long since the last time I filled a tag.

No matter what the reason, I’m ready, and I still have 80 days to get through before opening day. Maybe the ache that comes from having to wait will ease up some when my new hunting rifle arrives. We’ll see…