Glad it's here. Got out this morning and had a bit of a dilemma once I hit the bush. I moved my stand a couple weeks ago, 20 or so yards from where it was but it did alter my walk in path. Over the last few weeks I have cleared my shooting lanes and even raked my path for a quick, quiet entry.
So very, very early this morning under the cover of darkness and fog I try to find my entrance. Not happening. I cannot tell you how different it looked this morning, after my third guess I found it, well after a nice assortment of breaking branches from yours truly.
As I carefully walk my path exiting between to fallen logs, the cracking of branches resumes. My mind is now racing. I cannot believe I'm off the path. I pull out my small light (which I tested the night before) and after five seconds it goes dead. Knowing I should be within 10 yards of my stand I risk the crunching. As I slowly walk in, I know I'm off track. I tuck low to the ground, looking up in hopes of picking off my ladder or seat. A few minutes later, and a few steps later see it. I went as quietly the rest of the way. After arriving at my destination I just wonder how it came to be.
My visual entry point was hidden in the very dark morning. After the logs it was a hard left, not a gentle. I would have made it clean if not for those. Funny, in the daylight I gave a quick thought to these points, but first time in pitch black tested me and I failed.
All in all, a nice morning. I had one come up behind my left shoulder (I'm a lefty to boot) and it tucked into some heavy cover quickly.
I guess what I'm saying, if you moved you stand, try it one night when it doesn't matter!!
I hope others also got to enjoy a nice morning outside.
So very, very early this morning under the cover of darkness and fog I try to find my entrance. Not happening. I cannot tell you how different it looked this morning, after my third guess I found it, well after a nice assortment of breaking branches from yours truly.
As I carefully walk my path exiting between to fallen logs, the cracking of branches resumes. My mind is now racing. I cannot believe I'm off the path. I pull out my small light (which I tested the night before) and after five seconds it goes dead. Knowing I should be within 10 yards of my stand I risk the crunching. As I slowly walk in, I know I'm off track. I tuck low to the ground, looking up in hopes of picking off my ladder or seat. A few minutes later, and a few steps later see it. I went as quietly the rest of the way. After arriving at my destination I just wonder how it came to be.
My visual entry point was hidden in the very dark morning. After the logs it was a hard left, not a gentle. I would have made it clean if not for those. Funny, in the daylight I gave a quick thought to these points, but first time in pitch black tested me and I failed.
All in all, a nice morning. I had one come up behind my left shoulder (I'm a lefty to boot) and it tucked into some heavy cover quickly.
I guess what I'm saying, if you moved you stand, try it one night when it doesn't matter!!
I hope others also got to enjoy a nice morning outside.
