My recovery is moving along slow but sure. Cardiac rehab 3 days a week tires me out but am getting stronger. Makes me sad to miss deer hunting, I've hunted every season since 1969. Good luck to all of you that hunt. Take care and be safe.
Think back on all the things important to you that are related to deer hunting...the cold air, smell of the woods/fields, your deer hunting clothing, a Thermos of coffee and a sandwich...whatever takes your back to enjoyment of the hunt. You CAN re-create a lot of these that will take you into the essence of what you enjoyed during your hunts. I would suggest at opening time you are sitting outside your house, Thermos and whatever at your side and take part in YOUR hunt.
No, it is not perfect and seems a little silly perhaps, but it may fill in a one-year gap in your enjoyment of YOUR hunt. I am recommending this because in the last five years my oldest buddy has encountered a medical condition that will not allow him to deer hunt in the traditional way, which he loved. He cannot be in the woods anymore because of severe mobility issues. I recommended he do the same recollection of the important memories that remind you of being in the hunt. I have even continued to send him the traditional pound of jerky he enjoyed for so many years on his deer stand. It all serves to keep him in touch with HIS hunt.
YOUR hunt this year will be completely different from those in the past. Hanging onto some things important to you for YOUR hunt will help to maintain the connection, and make it more possible to step right back into it when you are able.
I wish you a safe and enjoyable deer opener!
Moosetrot
