Toward hunting bliss, I have list and check it twice
Sunday, September 16, 2007
As I frolic like a leaping gnome back into the wild during the sensational annual season of harvest, each dynamic moment reminds me of just how important this lifestyle is to us in remaining connected and grounded.
Every breathtaking sunrise explosion, each ear-piquing birdsong, each and every sound, sight, smell, pulse, instinct and feeling that occurs beyond the pavement stimulates my inner soul. It also triggers a goosebump orgy on my skin. I flat-out love this stuff.
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It doesn't matter whether I'm just out scouting and plinking with my .22 revolver; looking to bag a bushy-tailed limb rat for the pot; cruising the cattails with my beloved, uppity bird dogs for beautiful, gaudy, ring-necked pheasants; or simply sneaking beneath the stunning canopy of hardwoods, trusty bow and arrows in hand trying to outwit the mighty whitetail deer.
My heart pitter-patters like a runaway locomotive about to careen off the tracks.
Though sporting-goods technology has progressed by leaps and bounds in many ways, in actual tangible pragmatic functionary pursuits, everything remains the same as when I started back in the early 1950s.
We still have to drag our weary bones out of the warm sack for an early start, pay close attention to the powerful determining forces of nature herself and strive for optimal level of awareness to outfox the wary beasts.
It doesn't really matter if we have Great Grandpa's turn-of-the century flintlock or some state-of-the-art deluxe sniper rifle. It still depends on the individual effort.
That's the beauty of hunting, fishing and trapping. Each demands individualism and patience with a good dose of discipline. It also demands suitable gear:
n Though stealth, patience and wariness will always determine the enjoyment of the hunt, there are a plethora of new products that constantly come along that I find wonderfully beneficial. To me it is always the simple things that matter most.
For example, in the stealth department, Sims Vibration Laboratories takes the cake for creating innovative products to improve the essence of stealth. All my archery and firearms gear is covered in LimbSaver goodies to silence, stabilize and accurize.
n With so many incredible quality optics available from every manufacturer, the appreciation for wildlife is optimized when a new hunter is introduced in the comfort of a quality blind.
Our Shadow Hunter blinds from Marcellus, Mich., whether on the ground or elevated, make a newcomer's first outings that much more enjoyable. Same goes for the comfort, flexibility and convenience of our Double Bull pop-up blinds. These innovative products provide a great upgrade for everyone.
n When climbing up high in a treestand, safety and security is certainly our No. 1 concern.
Tragically, each year an unacceptable number of sporters suffers serious life-threatening and deadly injuries from falling out of trees and elevated blinds.
The Hunter Safety System four-point fall restraint vest should be required gear for every hunter who expects to get off the ground.
Combined with solid ladder-style stands, this approach could save many lives each year
n Don't forget basic yet ample first aid, blister pads, fire starter, emergency shelter, energy bars, bite stick, sunscreen and bug dope.
Remember water and purification tablets and filters, compass, GPS units and a small, durable flashlight.
I value my Glenn's DeerHandle, Otis compact gun-cleaning kit and specific bow and gun tools.
n Of course, I always have a handgun with plenty of spare ammo. I learned a long time ago that an extra box of ammo is easily carried and can come in mighty handy in a pinch.
I have been privileged to train with the heroes of the U.S. Marine Corps. The first lesson learned from these warriors is about the importance of overall level of awareness.
Like a good Boy Scout, an outdoorsman should always be prepared.
These are some of the goodies in the wonderful world of sporting goods that I never leave home without. Quality control is always better than damage control, and some things in life fit the essential list of "better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host.
