Sunday, May 18, 2008
Idle Thoughts During A Mid-May Rain
These warm days of spring cause me to start thinking that there is only a bit more than five months before we can climb into a tree stand, and start deer hunting again.
That time will pass before we know it, and between now and then, it’s time to develop a wish list. That wish list may include a new C.P. Oneida Eagle bow, a red-dot sight, dreams of a massive 10-pointer at 15 yards, digging a new pit blind, or a whole host of other items.
One of my buddies loves wool clothing. He and I spoke a few days ago, and he is going shopping for another set of green-and-black checked wool jacket and trousers. He wears wool in cool or warm weather, and likes it because it is so quiet. That is the top item on his wish list, and since he loves to hunt from cedar or pine trees, the coloration makes it impossible for deer to spot him unless he moves, which he doesn’t.
Another friend, getting a bit long in the tooth like me, is tired of strap-on tree stand steps and hanging a small stand several times every year. He’s shopping for the sturdiest and most well-built and quiet ladder stand available. He wants arm rests on it, a large enough platform to move slightly if necessary, and something that is easier to climb than going up and down strap-on tree steps. He fears falling, and wants a ladder stand because they are the easiest and safest of all tree stands to use but it still takes two people to put it up.
Still another hunter is looking for one of those fabric covers that enclose a tree stand, and he wants one that has an umbrella-like cover to allow him to hunt on rainy days. He tends to be a bit fidgety, and he knows it, and wants to help conceal his small motions.
Another of my hunting buddies is trying to figure out an easier way to dig a pit blind than with a shovel. He’s tired of having to chop through tree roots, dig out big rocks, and I’ve recommended that he pay some kid $25 to dig it for him. He’s warming to that idea, but figures the kid will probably want $50 or more to dig it to his specifications. It’s one of the key items on his spring wish list.
OK, enough about them. What about me?
I’m impossible to buy for. If I want something, I go out and buy it. So what is it that trips my trigger, and is there something I’d like?
I’m still working on the idea but I want a way to eliminate all human odor from an elevated or ground-level coop. I’ve messed around with 30-foot pieces of metal chimney sections secured to a tree, and it carries scent away from the stand.
But once a window is opened to take a shot, human scent can seep out. Some have suggested a sealing the window opening with a thin layer of plastic similar to Saran Wrap, and that might work if the Game Tracker string would pass through the hole. I’ll have to experiment with it a little bit, but one question is how to keep the plastic in place so it doesn’t come undone and flap around and spook deer. I’m also concerned about the shiny colored wrapping that may spook deer.
I hunt with knee-high rubber boots, and they are such a hassle to put on and take on when wearing two pair of bulky socks
What else do I need?
Nope, my raggedy coveralls still have some life in them. My heavy December furry hat is just fine, and my bow and red-dot sight works perfectly. I hunt my own land so have no other special needs.
I think about October quite a bit, but frankly, we have half-a-year to go before the season opens. I may take interest in some other item, but I try to keep my hunting life as simple as possible. If I can’t carry it in my pocket, I don’t need it.
It’s my thought that I’ll continue giving the scent-free elevated or ground coops more thought. If it can get this thing right, it will be great news for deer hunters because it will eliminate any possibility of a deer getting your scent while hunting.
Let’s see now .....