Today is a big day for me for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s my oldest son’s twelfth birthday. That alone is reason to celebrate. And celebrate we will. This is the first season he can hunt big game, and we’ll be doing plenty of that this year.
But today is also the eve of the archery antelope season. Tomorrow’s opening day, and until Colby came along, I was always buzzing like a rattlesnake sucking down Starbucks on this day. In the past, I couldn’t wait for today to end and tomorrow to start.
Maybe it’s just paternal pride, but I tend to think even before Colby joined us in the outside world, he was a highly considerate little guy. I mean, he made sure he didn’t screw up my hunting by waiting to pop out four or five days into the season.
Nope, he made his appearance the day before. Granted, that first year, it did put a bit of a crimp in my hunting, because I was needed at home for a few weeks. But from the next year on out, I’ve gotten his birthday taken care of, then it’s hunting season.
On that note, if you’re looking forward to hunting speed goats with pointed sticks, I’m sure you’re more than ready. But before you turn in tonight, give the equipment one last look. If there’s anything serious missing or not quite right, it’s too late to do anything about it for opening day, but it’s better to find out about it now than when you go to take that first shot tomorrow morning and realize you don’t have your broadheads screwed onto your arrows.
Make sure you have your license and conservation stamp. Check to see that you’ve poked a game bag or two into your pack. Don’t forget to take your knife and maybe a bone saw. And look your bow over very carefully to be certain it’s in perfect working order.
Then try to get a good night’s sleep. And good luck tomorrow.
