Opening Day

Photo: Chris Carson

I see it already at Twisted Oak.  The deer hunters have woken out of their sleepy, air conditioned, Summer hibernation (and honestly, I can't blame them).  Some are coming from fishing the lakes and bays, and some have been on vacations. Usually around August, we realize that there is work to be done on the lease and feeders need to be fed.  With that usually comes a little hog and varmint hunting, because you can't go to the lease or ranch without doing some hunting. It is with bated breath that we wait... and wait.... for that most sacred day to a deer hunter... OPENING DAY! 

September will bring Dove Season.  This year, it will be the longest in 80 years for the State of Texas. An extra 20 days will have hunters scouring the skies in search of that tell tale silhouette of a dove. The bruised shoulders will come and go, millions of shotgun shells will be spent, dove bags will grow full with birds and shells, and the weather will begin to turn cooler.

Photo: James Plant

With the smell of gun powder still lingering and feathers sill dancing on the wind, October will bring Open Day of Bow Season.  Bowhunters will camo up, spray themselves down, and head out to climb into their stands. These thrill seeking deerstalkers live for the opportunity to match wits and
senses with the wariest of prey in order to feed the family.  For most, the thrill of getting into the habitat, where the animal eats, sleeps and/or travels to conceal themselves and release and make a clean ethical kill shot at incredibly close distances is exhilarating to say the least.  

Photo: Chris Carson

November brings Opening Day of Gun Season.  With the pursuit of wild game on their minds, a yearning for cold weather and bags of gear for all occasions, these predators will rise early and head quietly into the woods with the goal of putting dinner on the table with the same clean ethical kill shot at great distances.

Photo: Chris Carson

Whether you hunt with a bow or a gun or both, Opening Day is usually circled on your calendar.  A sacred day that one waits for, dreams about, plans for... Lives for.  For many hunters, luck and superstitions that carry on all season are born on Opening Day.  
Routines are set, deer are killed, tags are filled, deer are skinned and cleaned, and stories are shared around the campfire.  It's a fellowship among hunters, a bond that is created, a brotherhood... for some, a calling.  Life is good!

What does Opening Day mean to you? Which one do you celebrate? Do you celebrate both? Do you celebrate at all?  Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.