Letters To The Editor: April 2025

David Franklin and his grandson Silas check out the latest issue of GON.

GON’s Next Generation

Dear GON,

After a long day at work, I came home to find my latest edition of GON in the mailbox. I sat down to check it out when my grandson Silas arrived and wanted to see what Papaw was doing. I soon realized this is now his favorite book because it has all his favorite things in here: “Tractys, Deerws, Ftish and Turteys.

Without a doubt, I think you will have a new subscriber for life!

Sincerely,

David Franklin, Clermont

No Time Like Now To Prepare For Deer Season

Dear GON,

Now that it’s spring, and summertime is on the horizon, I am beginning to think about my plans for next deer season.

Before long, the weather will be getting hot. This is the time I make a morning trip to the range and double check my scope. The reason I go in the morning is because it is before the hot, sweaty time of day and when the critters and bugs aren’t up yet. This time of year, there is no crowd at the range, and I can take my time and know my rifle (or bow) will hit where I point it. By shooting it and hitting where I am aiming, I will be more confident when that buck shows up this fall.

Also, scouting a new lease, checking cameras, mineral blocks and feeders are all more pleasant early on a summer morning.

Next, I pull out stands/blinds and check them over for anything that needs fixing. Then I check out my vehicles and deer carrier just so it all will work for the upcoming season. The same applies to my hunting gear. When I am satisfied all is in order, I move on.

Then, and this is one of my favorite things, I pay a visit to the sporting goods store to look things over and see what might be new that I could use. I am aware of the political bias against guns, so I might, with an eye to the future, pick up some extra ammo for my rifle. You never know when the politicians will pass a law making it hard to get.

Summer is also time to pay it forward to ensure domestic tranquility with the family by doing some of the things they want to do, so when I pack up for the woods, there might not be any hard feelings. This old hunter has learned that a little planning now saves frustration and problems later. Besides, I enjoy doing it. Good hunting.

Alton Powell, Chattahoochee Hills

Editor’s Note: Alton is 83 years old and has been a member of the GON Community for a long time. He’s got so much Georgia deer hunting under his fingernails. GON writer Duncan Dobie sat down with him last month and wrote a story about Alton and his decades of contributions. Flip over to page 58 to read that feature.                                                 

GON Social—Join Us!

GON Facebook

GON Instagram

GON X

Seth Watkins took this buck in south Houston County on Nov. 17. It’s his biggest buck so far.

Jared Clark, of Braselton, caught this 8.3-lb. bass at Fort Yargo State Park while working a topwater walking bait.

Britt Burrell, of Flowery Branch, caught this Lake Lanier striper in August.