Cool weather = hunting season is near

The big round outdoor thermometer on the back porch read 52 degrees yesterday morning as a new bunch of ducks circled out over the lake, probably wondering why there were so many stumps out there this year.  A winter-like mist rose from the falling, shallow water as cool air temps met warm water.  Later, I noticed  lots of pickups pulling trailers on the Lake D’Arbonne country roads, but not boat trailers — four wheeler trailers.

It is a sure sign that fall is here. And that means hunting season.  In fact, we are approaching the middle weekend of a three-weekend Louisiana teal season. It opened last Saturday and closes September 30.  Hunters reported mixed success, but where there had been good water for awhile, there had been a lot of birds on opening weekend. But remember this: Teal are a lot like $2 a gallon gas. Here one minute and then gone without a trace.

The next big date in Louisiana hunting will be Monday, October 1, when archery  deer season opens. I’m not sure how many people bow hunt, but it is a bunch. Everybody wants to get a jump on the deer BEFORE gun season opens. Bow season gives them that chance. A lot of younger people have gotten into bowhunting in recent years as well, which is a good thing.

Squirrel season is next on the calendar, opening October 6.  This used to be the big kickoff of hunting season and almost everybody who hunted took time to make an opening-day squirrel hunt.  That isn’t the case any more. It’s still popular, but bowhunting has taken a bunch of squirrel hunters out of the game. And as other hunters put more time into preparation for deer and ducks, the old bushytails are getting off a little easy than they once did.

Bow hunting has no doubt been a major factor  in the overpopulation of squirrels. They seem to be everywhere. I don’t know as many folks anymore that still care to have a mess of fresh squirrels, and besides Miss Kay on Duck Dynasty, folks that like squirrel brain stew.

As time draws near, make sure you prepare well and always put safety first, not just in the hunt, but in the preparation as well.  And if you are going to hunt, make sure  you consult the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 2012-13 Hunting Regulations pamphlet to ensure you have the dates correct for your area and know all the regulations. That’s the official “Bible” of hunting dates, regulations and requirements and if you hunt, you better keep a copy near and go by it.  Happy hunting.