A Mid-Season Break to Finish Strong

Bow season is my most awaited time of each year; the winter, spring, and summer months are "passed" by predator calling, waterfowl hunting, 3D archery, fishing and turkey season. My bow season began in early September and encompassed four states in pursuit of both whitetail and mule deer.  After countless hours on stand and thousands of miles of travel, I began to feel the burnout coming on strong.  During my sits I began to get impatient and had trouble staying focused, specifically when deer movement was slow.  In an effort to salvage my mental state on stand for the rest of the season, I decided to take a break from bowhunting and work with my German Wirehaired Pointer pup appropriately named "Hoyt."  We had the opportunity to hunt pheasants, quail, chukars, ducks and geese in Wyoming, Kansas and Oklahoma... so far it's been a great time.  I've also been able to share the majority of these hunts with my dad which has made them all the more enjoyable.

I'll be back in the whitetail woods soon for the remainder of the season, to try and fill an empty buck tag or two in Oklahoma.

We began our Christmas trip in Kansas for one day of pheasant hunting with some friends

I was knocked down the first rooster that stopped for Hoyt to point

The waterfowl were plentiful

Dad and Hoyt with Wyoming roosters, a few days prior to Hoyt's 6 month birthday

Subzero air temps and scenery were both breathtaking

All in all, it was a great opportunity to take a break from the whitetail woods and spend time with family and friends.  Don't be afraid to take a mid-season break from your season to make sure you stay sharp and enjoy each and every outing!