Try A Pop-Up Blind

We are fortunate to have some fantastic deer hunting opportunities in Kansas, and the adrenalin rush of watching a deer walk into range can often hook a young hunter. However, hunting from a treestands with young hunters may not be practical or safe. Hunting from a ground blind is often effective during the firearm season, but it may require that youngsters hold still for long periods of time, depending on the blind and its placement. But there is a way. At special youth hunts, KDWPT staff discovered that pop-up blinds can be the perfect piece of equipment for youth/mentored hunts. Many commercial pop-up blinds are large enough to told two or even three hunters, they are light, easy to set up and can be moved if the wind direction changes or deer patterns shift. It's best to have a blind in place for several days before use, and large blinds may require some brushing-in to make them less conspicuous to deer. But there is no doubt that they are perfect for young hunters because they hide movement and even mask noise a youngster may make whispering questions or eating snacks. They can also keep youngsters warm on cold, windy days. Try a pop-up blind this season. And as the photo shows, a pop-up blind can be perfect for taking youngsters who aren't quite ready to hunt themselves, but will have a great time tagging along.

It Only Takes One

I know that some hunters are discouraged by bird numbers in some regions of Kansas this year. After last year's banner season, this year's bird populations may give hunters an excuse to stay out of the field. However, I just want to point out one thing if you have a youngster who's champing at the bit to hunt. It won't take lots of birds for the young hunter to have a great hunt. In fact, it will only take on bird to create a memorable day. I wouldn't recommend an all-day forced march, but a short hunt where several small tracts are walked could be just ticket. Even if there aren't any opportunities, a drive to the country, walking a few fields and watching a good dog work is better than sitting in house this holiday weekend. Keep your expectations realistic and the hunts short. And remember, if one rooster flushes in range, you'll have a day to remember. And if the youngster connects, you'll both remember this day the rest of your lives. It only takes one.

Making The Best of It

In an entry this summer, I wrote about how things we work for mean more than things that come easy. I referenced a fishing trip to Colorado with my friend Rex when it was very cold and windy, but we fished hard and caught a few really nice trout. Conditions were tough, and it was a frustrating at times, but in the end, Rex said, "You know, I think this was one of our best trips." I had to agree. We'd made the best of the situation and managed to thoroughly enjoy ourselves despite lack of cooperation from the fish and the weather. Perhaps making the best of any situation is something you figure out as you get older. My cousin Brad and I did the same this past weekend. He came for pheasants, knowing that bird numbers were low in the area we would hunt, and wouldn't you know it, the weather was uncooperative again. However, on this trip the weather was too nice. We had daytime temperatures in the 70s and very little wind. I know we shouldn't complain about those conditions, but they weren't the best for duck and pheasant hunting. We made the best of it, though. We fished farm pond crappie one morning, hunted ducks on a beautiful pasture slough three mornings, and even managed to find a few pheasants and quail. No big numbers or limits taken, but enough to satisfy. We had our parents visit the little farm house we stayed in for a beautiful evening and supper, and we mainly kicked back and forgot what day it was. It was a great weekend. I know 20 years ago I would have been frustrated by a perceived lack of hunting success, but I've outgrown that attitude, and so has Brad. We ended the trip supremely satisfied and relaxed, and that should have been the goal along.

Opening Day Tradition

This Saturday is opening day. In Kansas, opening day means pheasant and quail seasons. We have a long tradition of bird season opening days, and hunters across the state are gearing up for Saturday morning. I've been looking forward to it since last opening day, but I've been thinking about it a lot recently. My cousin Brad is coming out from Kansas City, and I'm really looking forward to kicking around the fields of Kiowa County with him and the dogs. The bird hunting forecast for that area isn't very positive because the of the drought and summer heat, but we'll still have a great time. The experience is what you make it, and I know we'll work hard and earn our birds. We'll appreciate every opportunity, and the birds we get will mean something. I've heard hunters make excuses for not taking young hunters when bird numbers are down, saying that youngsters need lots of action or they won't like hunting. I think you can make any hunt meaningful, even without lots of birds. When populations are thin, take young hunters. Just make the outings shorter. Take time to learn about deer rubs and scrapes, and talk about the biology, habitat, and weather factors that control our bird numbers. Sit under and tree and eat a sandwich and talk about things other than hunting. I've said it before -- youngsters won't remember how many birds you bag, but they'll never forget that you took time to take them hunting. Don't miss an opportunity.