2014 Deer Season

70 Days till open day of deer season (bow season) in the state of Mississippi (MS Deer Hunting Regulations). This will be the first deer season in 4 years that I will not have a chance to get to our property until late August. It has been a busy year in Wilkins house hold. A lot of work has to be done before October 1 for the opening day of bow season. We have several stand we would like to move based on how last year panned out and all of our trail cameras still need to be put up. We also have all the food plots to plant along with any minerals we want to get out before the start of the season. In MS you cannot be within 100 yards of a feeder and feed cannot be poured on the ground once the season opens. (MS Feeding Regulations) This makes getting a late start on the pre-season even harder.

Hopefully all the work we did last year in prepping for the season and food plot placement really will help hold us over to this year. 2013 was a very slow year with deer sightings, seemed like they only would stay in the timber and would not come out in the open during the day time. We had several hit list bucks that we were getting on camera consistently. But were never able to catch the big boys on their feet during the day time. Although it was a slow year it might have been out most productive year. We were able to harvest 5-7 does and one decent buck, I would guess in the 100-120 inch range.

Since last year we could not find the bucks we are hoping this year that we can bring them to us. We have stocked up on Tink's Power Scrape Starter, Tink's Scrape Dripper Bomb,Wildgame Innovations Acorn Rage. I have been using the acorn rage for a few years now to attract deer to a trail camera area and to provide nutrients to grow. As you can see from some of the hit list bucks it seems to work. Last year was the first year I had ever tried using mock scrape drippers. I used them on two separate parts of our property and it really seemed to draw the bucks in. I would definitely recommend giving these products a look and the links I provided are pretty good deals right now.

 

So as we count down to opening day I cannot wait till late August to get here. I don’t know about everyone else but the preparation is just as exciting as the hunt. Here’s to hoping we all have a great 2014 season!

Till next time – M

Genesis 27:3 "Now then, please take your gear, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me;

30 is the new 20?

Today I turn 30 years old! I am not really sure how to feel about this news. I have always thought age was just a number. But now that I am the “Old” guy in the room it makes you want to reflect a little bit on where you have been and where you are going. The last 5 years of my life I have grown up a lot. I married my best friend 5 years ago this August. We bought a house, cars, changed jobs, and traveled a lot. We are very different people than we were at 25. So I wonder what our lives will look like in 5 more years. A new house, car, job, children, more traveling? Honestly who really ever knows what will come in the years ahead.

There are two things that I have learned in the last several years. One is that without a doubt I am now a “grownup”. I have real responsibilities and people count on me to be a productive member of society. Gone are the days of sleeping in till noon and staying up till 2 or 3 am. The second is the future is what you make of it. No one is going to give you anything, if you do not have a goal and focus you will wake up at 50 and wonder what the heck happened!

I found a quote online about a year ago that I keep on my desk at work. It is something I look at daily and has really helped me on those days were I feel like I am just floating along. The quote goes: “Having a rough morning? Place your hand over your heart. Feel that? That’s called purpose. You’re alive for a reason. DON’T GIVE UP.”

In saying all of that I could not be more happy with my life. I have gotten to do and see most everything I have wanted to in the last 30 years. In a week I will be going to Europe for 15 days (Paris, Venice, Florence, Positano, Rome) another experience checked off the bucket list. I am very excited about the next part of my life and ready for the challenging roads ahead. Look forward to giving tons of updates about Europe and of course DEER SEASON is right around the corner!

Till next time – M

Jer 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.