By the time you read this I will be sneaking around in British Columbia’s wilderness, in the pursuit of that big mule deer buck that eluded melast year, or one just like him.Yep, tomorrow morning (September 10) our hunting season is open here in our region of British Columbia. Precisely at 3 am my alarm will go off and after a shower and a hot coffee I will be on my way. Arriving according to my plan at about 4am in my hunting area I will just have time for another coffee and get all dressed up in camo, stuff my gear into a back bag sling my trusty Weatherby Vanguard .270 over my shoulder and head off into the woods. The route I previously picked will lead along a five-mile long power line right of way – a prime area for deer to hang out – intercepted by a few overgrown cut blocks which are also prime feeding spots for deer and other game. On each cut block I will pause to glass for bucks grazing at dawn and if nothing happens move on to the next.
By the time I am at the end of the power line right of way it will be late afternoon and perfect timing to repeat the same hunting tactic on the way pack to my truck. Unless I shoot a deer I will be back home at around 7 pm. I will be out hunting with a break or two, every single day for the next three to four weeks.
We have lots of game around here in great variety. As mentioned I start my hunting season with mule deer buck hunting. This will be my priority for this season unless I kill a big deer. In between I may hunt a few days for moose and black bears. Actually it is quite likely that I run into one or the other, or all of these species, in one single day. We have so much game here that this is entirely possible. I also will spend a few days or afternoons hunting upland birds and at least two weekends waterfowl and dove hunting.
I am pumped and thrilled about the upcoming hunting season. I have never lived at a place where I had so much game and variety basically right at my doorstep. I just was saying this morning to my wife. I hunt since the age of 12, which makes this year, my 43rd hunting season anniversary. After all this years I still have trouble to sleep a few days before season opener because I am all wound up in anticipation. In fact I cannot remember that I ever felt like that as kid about Christmas, unlike other kids. For me the hunting season always has been the annual highlight and it still so to this day. Or as an old man this morning in the gun store said to me “Othmar that is what it is all about.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!
There is only one disappointment to all of that joy. I have strongly anticipated to use this opportunity to film as much footage as humanly possible on all the hunting I will do this season. However it turns out that the new video camera I purchased for that purpose was not suitable and I had to return it. I have asked around the shops for a rental camera but they are all booked out months ahead. A new camera has to be ordered and will not arrive in time I need it. Could drive to Vancouver and purchase one but the current gas prices would not justify a 200-mile trip just to buy a camera.
Each hunting season I also get a little sentimental because it is this time of year where I miss my mother and father most. It was my parents who guided my first steps in the outdoors and passed their values and morals on to me. They remained my trusted hunting partners until they day they passed away. I know my mother and father will accompany me in spirit on this hunt as they did on all the previous ones but I still miss my parents both dearly, walking one on either side of me through the woods and fields.
Over the next few days I try to keep you up-to-date about my hunting endeavors but it will not be on a daily base. I hope you all have a successful hunting season and make lots of memories. Please take a child friend or family member hunting so they too can enjoy our great hunting heritage. Be safe and have fun!
Tags: Hunting Season Opener, British Columbia, Weatherby rifles, Hunting, Mule Deer Buck, Black Bears, Moose, Upland Bird Hunting, Waterfowl
7 comments:
Good luck this fall Othmar. Chasin mule deer and bears here with my bow in SoCal right now. Won't be long I'll be back home in MO to try and let the air out of some turkeys.
Man am I jealous of you. I hope you have a great time on your hunts Othmar.
This is the greatest time of year.
Good luck and stay safe. I hope you get a big one.
Good luck, Friend. Wish I could have given you better advice on that camera issue! Hope it all works out for you.
Good luck Othmar and more than luck I hope you enjoy your time hunting. Hope to see some nice pictures and read some great stories.
Thank you all for your comments and good wishes. I will write a report today here at “Outdoors with Othmar Vohringer” about my season opening day hunt.
Note to Tom: You advice on the camera was very helpful to me. Thank you so much. I feel humbled having so many blogging friends and loyal readers that not only read here but also give freely advice if asked. We’re truly a brother/sisterhood of outdoors people and bloggers and I am proud to be part of it.
-ov-
Othmar; like you I too have troubles sleeping before opening day and ours opens here for bow season September 27 2008. I also know what you mean about your parents even though mine have not passed on yet they are in their 80's and can't get around well anymoredue to their health. Wishing you great success on all your hunts this year and look forward to reading your updates on them all.
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