Now is when we ?Make a Deposit?

by John Martin

When the Fall big game seasons are MONTHS away, it is hard to get excited about them when preparing just makes you more acutely aware of just how far away hunting season is.

I found out today our group did not draw the Elk hunt we applied for in Wyoming. That figures since we were successful in the Draw the last two years. The good news though is that we have two years of Deer points that may help us draw a tag in the later Wyoming Deer and Antelope draw.

But not all is lost. I still plan to apply in Nevada, and I recently found out my Brother - in - law has moved to the antelope unit in Colorado I’ve been interested in.  According to GMUResearch.com, I have enough points to draw an archery Antelope permit there.

Then there are the in state permits. I can count on at least one over the counter tag for deer and bear in California. I’ve committed to put in for a late season tag for blacktails as well, so we will see how this pans out. I may be bowhunting in November!

So in between work and applications, I’m continuing to prepare with weekly indoor archery sessions, and the trail run training.

As Kyle Meintzer, a well known ultra runner and sheep hunter, said : “Now is when we make a deposit” that will benefit us when we are in the hills, and at full draw on a big buck, bull or bear.  Nothing beats the confidence knowing you have the fuel in your tank to get to that far-off buck you spotted and knowing once you are in that killing range with your weapon, that you CAN make the shot. 

So think to yourself “What can I do today, to make that hunt of a lifetime the best it can be?”  Making the deposits early and often does add up in confidence, endurance and skill.