A Preview of Fall 2013

The past few days have given us a preview of fall in North Texas. We’ve gone from highs above 100 to highs just below 90. As I sit here, with the windows open, it is 67 degrees outside. It is one of those previews of fall that we get here. I found myself making plans to spend more time outside as the weather cools. I want to spend time in the woods and on the trails. I want to take pictures. I want to ride my mountain bike. I wish to walk silently down the paths that the wild game use. I want to sit around a campfire enjoying conversations with good friends. I want to do all of these things and more.

For those of us in areas of the country that experience long hot summers, autumn is a magical time of year. By August, many of us are starting to get cabin fever from locking ourselves up in the air conditioned spaces (I know, this is a modern US problem). We start thinking about more traditional fall activities and food. We are looking forward to the harvest of the farms, ranches, and the woods. And these wonderful refreshing fall previews really get our motors running. It is only a couple of weeks to the first of the hunting seasons here (Dove). But, not long after, we will have Deer season opening. Many people do not understand hunting. You can spend an entire day hunting, not kill a single animal, and still feel like it was a good day. As you sit in a tree stand, or stalk woods and fields, you find your mind drifting and the stress leaving your body. You will start noticing little things and find nature getting closer to you. I’ve seen wonderful pictures and photos of hunters being visited by wildlife while they are in their stands. This includes owls, squirrels, deer, and even other predators. I remember one hilarious video where a black bear climbed up to a tree stand to pay a visit to the hunter there. This year, due to lack of funds and close by hunting opportunities, I’m not getting a hunting license. However, I might take a day or two to see what I can hunt with my camera. The great thing about hunting with a camera is that there are no bag limits nor seasons. However, you also don’t get to bring any of that tasty meat home.