Every sport, occasion or way of life has its period of time, or days, that are looked at with high regard. Palms get sweatier, knees grow weaker; you name it, it happens. The World Series, the Super Bowl, March Madness and so on. Although some may not see it, I’d argue that one such event is just around the corner: Kentucky’s deer hunting rifle season opener.
There are days, especially leading up to rifle season, that will be more favorable in regards to deer behavior, but there’s a magic and beauty to that opening Saturday of gun season unlike any other.
As a kid, I remember sitting alongside my dad in the hills of Carter County as daylight broke. Then, the silence was shattered by the first crack of the gun. Back then, that’s how I knew deer season had arrived. Now, the realization is given away by the trail cam pictures we sort through on a daily basis. There’s nothing wrong with that, I’ll be the first to admit I enjoy looking at trail cam photos; however, there’s something to be said about that youthful notion and anticipation that comes from taking a seat on the forest floor, rifle in hand, and simply hoping for the best.
Whether I’m the one who pulls that trigger, that first shot is always special. Granite, these days I've been in the timber already by November, but it’s still special. Although the national significance isn’t as great, it makes me think of the story of “the shot heard round the world.†Again, I would argue that in our world, the first crack of the gun does hold a high level of significance.
So, why have such a high opinion of the gun season opener? It’s hard not to; I’ve shot quite a few deer, including my biggest, during that time. Each gun-opener buck sticks out in my mind for one reason or another: The 12-pointer who snuck in on me, the 9-pointer who came to my grunt call, and yes, the 7-pointer who took multiple shots to expire. Most recently, and maybe even my most memorable gun-opener hunt, I got the privilege of sitting alongside my brother as he shot his first buck, a beautiful 9-pointer. I’ve got a lot of hunting memories, but it’s safe to say the gun season opener has produced some of my best.
This, however, isn’t the case for me only. Most friends of mine who are hunters describe the gun season opener as special, even if they are hardcore bowhunters. Why? I would argue that it’s because all of us started there. Before the treestands and cellular trail cameras, we all either stalked through the woods with a rifle in hand, or set with our backs against a big oak and a mentor by our side.
 When you get right down to it, there will more than likely be folks out this weekend that haven’t been in the timber since this time last year; the gun season opener just has that kind of drawing power. Additionally, there will be children out there for the first time with a father, grandfather, uncle or a special person interested in bringing them into the fold. If you're hunting public land, or close to a property boundary, you may even see them. If this is the case, don’t be the guy or gal who shows frustration, but instead, be courteous. At the end of the day, the future of this way of life, and that child’s future within it, may depend on it.
Above all, have fun, enjoy what nature has to offer and be safe. There’s a reason we have the safety orange law in place during gun season, so simply put, wear orange. I’ve seen movement from afar and thought that my dream was about to become reality, only to have orangeless hunters walk right to me before taking a moment to look around and realize I was there. Don’t be that person, and hunt the property or properties you have permission to be on. If you’re somewhere you're not supposed to be, and the hunter on the same point or ridge doesn’t know it, well, let’s just say that’s one instance where you wouldn’t want to make the news. Be safe, shoot straight and remember, there’s no such thing as a bad day in the timber.
There’s plenty of adventures to be had and stories to be told. So, until next time, stay tuned, and as much as possible, stay in the timber.
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