Not that holiday, but a holiday just the same. Firearm deer season opens tomorrow morning in Illinois.
The view from my tree stand could symbolize the whole of Illinois: half the corn around it is harvested, half is not.
It will make things interesting. On one side, deer could sneak within 20 yards and I would not have a clue they are there.
Just adds to the anticipation.
I have been puttering around for the past two hours in a fit, checking on things for the morning in that delightful state of opening-day anticipation.
For some reason, I feel hopeful this year.
Double checked shooting times, start and finish: check
Thermos preheated with hot water, ready to be emptied in the morning and refilled: one with coffee, one with the hot concoction of tomato juice, chicken broth and hot sauce: check
slugs: check
shotgun, clean and ready: check
permit in a plastic bag: check
dragging rope in an all-weather bag: check
banana/walnut/raisin/apple bread made: check
sandwiches planned: check
water bottles filled, chilling: check
field-dressing stuff in an all-weather bag: check
filled myself with hope: check
sleep? Not sure about that.
BTW, I would love to hear some reports tomorrow evening. If you have BlackBerry or e-mail access, please send them along to outdoordb@sbcglobal.net.
