Thanksgiving is over and our long stretch of warm weather seems to have been replaced with frost and ice. As I write this, I’m sitting next to our woodstove, staying warm against the gloom of one of our first real wintery days here in Vermont, my back growing warm against the flickering orange and yellow […]
When I decided to learn archery and how to bowhunt, I never realized I would be joining such a supportive and enthusiastic community. Yet that is one of the many side benefits to this fun sport — the camaraderie within the bowhunting family and the welcome new bowhunters receive — no matter their age or […]
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I didn’t own a rangefinder until about three weeks ago. Some of that stems from the fact that I’m not a gadgety person. In fact, one of the main things I relish about living out in the boonies is the lack of cell phone coverage. This means that I’m […]
I love checking my trail cameras. You never know what you’ll see. Checking the files on an SD card feels a little bit like opening a present every time — even if it means I’m only looking at squirrels, raccoons or my dog. It’s a ritual that my whole family loves, especially my daughter. I’ve […]
I hate being cold. Absolutely hate it. And while my summer tan still lingers, this morning there was a thin layer of frost on the grass and across our windshields, marking the official arrival of fall. I learned last year how chilly it can get after sitting in a tree stand for hours, watching squirrels […]
I walk my dog every morning down the rough dirt road that remains unplowed all winter. Edged in wild blackberry bushes, the road slopes into a rough two-track with rocks the size of small boulders that will rip tires if you aren’t careful. It’s my favorite place to walk. Sometimes it’s nice to unplug for […]
I bought another chest freezer yesterday in anticipation of the upcoming bow season. We’ve had an incredible garden harvest this year – our first big garden haul ever – and I’ve processed summer squash, zucchini, peas, kale, corn and tomatoes – and still have more to do. Yet both the freezer in the house and […]
There are so many different reasons why we enjoy hunting: the solitude of sitting in a ground blind or treestand; the thrill at seeing a trophy buck appear in front of you lined up for a clean broadside shot; the close proximity to other types of wildlife. But one thing we all have in common […]
My inlaws live in the middle of suburbia surrounded by a large metro park. Their backyard is proof that urban deer exist, and exist in higher numbers than some may think. Don’t believe me? Then check out this out: No need to rub your eyes or pinch yourself. That really is four bucks milling around the […]
It is hard to believe that in only a matter of weeks summer vacation will be officially over and my daughter will be back in school. While the days have mostly been sunny and warm, the mornings are crisp and hint at a change in temperature just over the horizon. I’ve been focusing on preserving […]