November is one of my favorite months — meaningful football games, Thanksgiving feasts and high-gear hunting.

As far as football and food go, everybody has a different opinion on the best teams or best recipes. In terms of hunting, though, there’s no debate — deer is king in the Lone Star State.

But small-game hunts offer a variety of prey without requiring the time, travel and expense of a deer hunt. In fact, small game can be found throughout the state almost anywhere there’s food, water and shelter. Whether you’re in the woods or fields, find a water source and you’ll likely find a tasty meal nearby.

River and creek bottoms with pecan and oak trees are prime areas for squirrel hunting. A 20-gauge or .410 shotgun, or a .22 rifle are standard weapons for small game. Camouflage is recommended when squirrel hunting, as they have keen eyesight and are always on the lookout for danger.

Using your own senses will pay off for squirrels. Listen for rustling and acorns, pecans or other nuts hitting the ground, and scan the treetops for movement. As we get further into fall and more leaves are blown from trees, squirrels should be easier to see.

Rabbits can be found in pasture land, and the rule of thumb is to find a briar patch near low-growing green vegetation. Thick brambles help conceal them and also slow down pursuing predators.

Wearing protective clothing is essential to shielding your skin from the thorns and thick brush that hold rabbits. Rabbits and hares are quick, but they usually don’t run very far at one time, so be patient when tracking them down.

A lot of hunters started out by hunting small game, and for those wanting to introduce kids to hunting, this is the way to go. For one thing, the kids won’t have to sit still and quietly for hours — they’ll be walking through the woods with their eyes and ears tuned in for movement and rustling.

Small-game hunting doesn’t yield wall-hanging rewards, but it will test your stalking and shooting skills immeasurably more than deer hunting over a feeder. Plus, if handled and prepared right, small-game hunting offers delicious and nutritious table fare.

There are thousands of acres of public hunting land available right here in Central Texas through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Corps of Engineers.

Visit the Centex Outdoors website for more information.

A young reader

A “good morning” goes out to one of this column’s most avid readers — 9-year-old Kim McNew of Robinson. Her dad, Jeff, says Kim is always the first one in the family to grab the sports section and turn to the outdoor column.

She is also skilled when it comes fishing, camping and kayaking — and from what I understand, she was in charge of launching clay targets during a recent skeet shoot on her family’s place.

I’ve fished with Kim a few times, and I love her enthusiasm and determination. Jeff says she’s usually the first one to the water and the last to call it a day.

Getting kids interested in the outdoors will give them recreational options for the rest of their lives — and outdoor sports are a darn good alternative to mischief.

www.centexoutdoors.com

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