A Lot of Hard Work + A Whole Lot of Blessing
Created Outdoors Staff Member Jeremy Davis
September is the month that most deer seasons are opening in the United States. All year most of us have put in a ton of hard work shed hunting, glassing, scouting, putting in food plots, etc… Some still need to hang stands, while some leave theirs up all year long. Some will bait where legal, and some will still be planting winter food plots. The hard work is far from being over, but it can pay off. Is some hard work all that it takes though? Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”.
Most bucks will be shedding their velvet in early September. This can trigger a change in their pattern. They may go from showing in day light to nocturnal. They may disappear altogether. By making sure that they have everything they need such as food, bedding cover, and water can increase the chances that they will stick around. Also, hanging cell cameras will assist you in keeping tabs on the changes in patterns without having to go into your hunting areas.
Photo by Created Outdoors Staff Writer Evan Gersper
Scent control is a must for whitetail. Washing your hunting clothing in scent eliminating detergent just isn’t enough though. How do you store your hunting clothing after you wash it? You have several options; technology has come a long way. Using a tote can help keep scent contaminants off of your hunting attire if it is air tight. Using the reusable clothing vacuum seal bags, and storing them in any tote will keep your hunting clothing fresh and scent free. You can take this a step farther and add your favorite cover scent to the bag, this way when you open the bag; the air rushing in will infuse the cover scent into the clothing. There are ozone closets, and bags for reasonable prices now also that work wonders. The ozone treatment bags can work extremely well. However, if you suffer from headaches, I do not recommend using the ozone treatment technologies.
Inspecting your safety gear prior to using it. This step is not only important; it may save your life. Check your harnesses, and safety belts for damaged or fraying straps. If you find any fraying or damage, replace them immediately. This includes the straps that hold your stands in the tree for those of you that leave your stands up all year long.
Photo provided by ISupply Outdoors
Archery hunters need to inspect your limbs, cams, bearings, strings, and cables. If there is any sign of damage, then have these items replaced or repaired right away. Give your arrows or bolts a good look over while you’re at it. If you notice any cracks throw them out and replace them. If you have to miss opening day waiting for the repairs, or replacements, that is a small price to pay. Please do not chance getting seriously hurt just to hunt a few days.
Make sure that you are using your equipment frequently. Shooting often will lessen the chances that your archery tackle, or firearm is bumped off of the zero. This allows you to be more familiar with your gear. You will be more likely to notice when things are starting to go before the issue becomes serious, or results in injury.
These are wild animals. They do not have to be any specific place at any particular time. Pray often thanking our Lord God for the blessings that he has bestowed upon us. For every new day, every outing afield, and the views from our stands. Pray for the blessing of a successful and pain free harvest. Remember we are on God’s timeline; our plans and wants are not always what he needs us to experience at that time. Just because God doesn’t answer your prayer right away, does not mean that he will not answer your prayer on His timeline. 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”. Success in hunting really is a lot of hard work, and a whole lot of blessings provided by God.
Until next time, hunt hard, and pray harder.
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Written by,
Evan Gersper Created Outdoors Staff Writer