Gearing Up for the Fall Pursuits

By

Dan Ackerman
Rough Creek Productions

                Early goose season in North Dakota has sprung up so quick that I just realized how short this summer was and that I must begin preparing my gear for the fall hunting pursuits.  Also, coveted deer tags have been received in the mail, which causes an extreme excitement in many households.  These few hints of fall have me running and gunning to get things ready. 
                With the early goose season open now in North Dakota, I have to prepare my hunting blind and decoys, and must make a run to the nearest outfitting store to purchase needed shotgun shells.  New string must be strung on decoys as new decoys have been added to the spread and new paint must be applied to older decoys to make them look appealing to honkers and ducks when their landing gear is in sight! 
                As the deer tags have arrived at home, thoughts of November are ever present and pressing, reminding me to make sure I get to the range to check for accuracy of my rifle, I must make sure I have enough shells to shoot at targets as well as monster “baldies” (a fancy term my friends have created for a doe) since I did not draw an antlered tag.  I must check that the blaze orange outfits actually fit me as my belly has grown a few more inches since last year!  Speaking of that, I must try to get back to the gym on a more regular basis so I can attempt to tackle the Badland buttes. 
                Ring-necked pheasant dreams will soon be dancing in my head, so soon, I must maintain landowner contacts, purchase more shotgun shells, make sure the vest works and fits, and practice shooting clays to get the motions back in mind as season approaches.  Also, a good test to be ready for pheasants is the hunt for mourning doves as the season opener will be upon us here in North Dakota in a week and a half. 
                A new hunting methodology that I have undertaken to begin is archery.  This fall, I am planning on borrowing a buddy’s compound bow, that I have had in possession much of the summer, to hunt white-tails with.  I started early this spring practicing target shooting with the bow in hopes that I will be capable to place a nice shot on a large buck this Fall.  My veins are boiling with excitement as the season approaches!   I have my camouflage in order, arrows are fletched, blades are on hand, stands are in place, scent covers are ready, boots are prepped, knives are sharp and the tag is in reach. 
                It seems every year, there is always a checklist that needs to be observed to make sure all gear is ready to go come opening day for target species.  That checklist seems to be increasing in size as more and more gear is needed and/or wanted.   Gearing up for our fall pursuits keeps us busy and sane throughout the summer and is always in the back of our minds as visions of whitetails and ring-necks dance in our dreams!