Butterflies

The days are starting to dwindle away until the archery opener for South Georgia. As the magical day draws near, the butterflies are really starting to set in. To top it off, I still have five days until I am sitting in a stand waiting for the elusive whitetail to wander by. I have several reasons for the butterflies, but that doesn't make it any easier.

Reason one: This is the first year since we have owned this 92 acres that I have not had trail cameras out giving me an idea of what to expect. This wouldn't be that big of a deal, but the 98 acre lease next to our place had some guys on it last year that did not let anything walk. So, I am not sure where my numbers are. Doe, fawns, bucks, I have no idea. My neighbor has said he has seen a good number of deer and sign around the place, but I haven't seen it with my own eyes, and to be quite honest I am a little scared.

Reason two: I know there has to be a few deer on there, but the quality is something I am concerned about. Money has been tight (tight really doesn't do it justice)and the food plots didn't get put in, mineral sites did not get replenished, and the natural forage is suffering from lack of rain. I can only hope the existing perennial plots came back up enough to provide a little nutrition for them.

Reason three: My new bow is sitting in the local pro-shop having some stuff tweaked on it. As I mentioned money has been super tight and all my hunting equipment went to the highest bidder. A great friend recently gave me a bow and with the help of our great sponsors, I was able to outfit it and now it is about ready for me. I shot it for the first time two days ago and then into the shop to tune it in. I hope to get it back tomorrow and then practice, practice, practice to be ready Saturday.

Reason four: I have been feeling extremely guilty the last couple years of not allowing my son, who loves the outdoors, to go hunting with me. So, this year I vowed to take him with me at every available opportunity. That means, Saturday morning, opening day, he will be sitting 15 feet to my left on a near tree in a ladder stand, completely in the open. He is 9 years old and only been hunting with me a couple times and we sat in a blind. This will be the first time he will be completely exposed with nothing hiding him but the camouflage. To top it off I have decided to put a small camera in his hands to film the hunt. If it all works out and a deer does come by and a shot opportunity is given and he records it, WOW! is all I can say. Even if it doesn't happen, the time spent together will be a memory we will share.

Not really a lot to worry about I know, but enough to get the butterflies stirring. It all begins in four short nights. We will be sitting in our "hunt cabin" waiting for that next morning, when the butterflies reach their max and the moment comes. I know it will be worth it, and can't wait to see what happens. I would like it to be a perfect dream scenario, but will be happy with whatever happens. Stay posted to find out what goes down!