In Shape To Hunt?

Adobe Stock image/ By clsdesign

Squirrel season is now underway, dove opens Sept. 7, and our whitetail archery kicks off mid month. I always try to keep in good shape throughout the summer to make sure I’m on top of my game for the fall hunting season. I’ve logged about 50 miles on a local mountain with a full pack, and it’s a great workout for me. As you get older, you’ll find that it’s harder and harder to keep in good shape. You certainly don’t want to find out how out of shape you are as you attempt to drag out a big buck!

During these hikes, I like to look around the woods to keep an eye out for animal movement and sign. Squirrels are certainly in abundance here on this mountain, a favorite hiking spot of many. Upon reaching the top, I had a great view of our north Georgia mountains. It sparked some thoughts to possibly hunt in those mountains in the Chattahoochee National Forest this season. As I took a seat to swig some well-earned cool water, I saw a squirrel come toward me. His head bobbed and weaved as though he was hoping I would share a morsel of food or snack. I assumed that this pastime had evolved from other hikers who shared their food. When he saw I was not participating, he scampered off.

Just last week, I came across a really big gobbler that had a beard so long that it seemed to be dragging the ground. It seemed out of place, as the turkeys that are so prevalent here during the spring seem to disappear in the summer months.

I always see deer on the trail. They never show concern and almost always return to feeding as I walk past. I’ll also kick up a few mourning doves that seem to enjoy the shade of these large trees located on the mountain. I recently came up on something relatively rare on the trail—bear scat. Yep, covered up in berry seeds, no mistake about it. Interestingly, later in the week, several folks reported online that they had seen a young black bear in this vicinity. Well, he sure passed through here. It seems that the more habitat that gets removed from new buildings, roads and homes being built, the more often that we’ll see these sightings and crossings. It should also go without saying that my vigilance during these hikes increased after finding that pile! I also spotted a black racer snake as it slickly slid across the trail. No harm from that one.

As you return to the field this season, make sure that you enjoy your time in the woods and hunt safe. If you have not taken the Georgia Hunter Education course, it’s available in classroom format and online. For more information, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/hunting/huntereducation.