We often talk about how quickly time flies and the associated missed opportunities. This is why making the most of today and the opportunities in front of us is so important.
The start of the year is always exciting for me; we have so much to look forward to. After the festive period, the new year, and hopefully some time off work, we can start to focus on the upcoming hunting season.
Before we know it, March and April are here, both of which are highlights in many deer hunters' calendars. The fallow rut and the red roar hold a special place in many people's hearts and can often involve annual pilgrimages from one corner of the country to another to experience them.
That’s not to forget that April also marks the open season for hog deer in Victoria, which people travel from across the country to enjoy. While most hunting may only occur in April, hunters have often spent a lot of time scouting out potential hunting areas doing their homework and devising plans. When I was first bitten by the hog deer bug, I would have spent several trips a year before each season scouting suitable hog deer areas, trying to develop an understanding of the area and to plan that season's hunt. Clocking up thousands of kilometres in the Landcruiser, putting the puzzle pieces together.
As always, hunting can be hard work, but that only makes any reward more meaningful and valuable. One year, in particular, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend 15 days in April hunting hog deer!
Any time I find myself driving past those areas I scouted or hunted for hoggies, a smile comes across my face. The memories shared there with friends and on my own are treasured, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, and whoever is in the car with me at the time gets to hear about it whether they like it or not. As deer hunters, we are fortunate that our passion takes us on these fantastic adventures across different states and countries, exploring places we would otherwise never have known.
It is also important to make sure your equipment, especially your rifle, is in good working order at this time of year. While we spend a lot of time focusing on the deer, we need to make sure we have the confidence in ourselves and our gear and that it will all work as it's meant to when the time comes.
For me this involves spending some time shooting my rifles, ensuring they are zeroed and shooting as I need them to. Having done this, I am confident in my rifle in the field. As hunters, we must always do what we can to deliver a humane shot. You can’t do that without a straight-shooting rifle.
Once my gear is sorted, the hardest part is often the waiting. As the heat waves roll through I am keenly waiting for that turn in the weather signalling that the peak of summer has passed and the heat is starting to subside, along with the shortening of the days, making for more comfortable time in the bush. Before we know it, it will be upon us. I am busy getting ready now, so I can hit the ground running!
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