Well it is February in 2012 and deer season is officially over. I shot a doe 2 weeks ago for some meat but I did not get my buck this year. I actually never saw a shooter buck this year except for one in the 130" class. I found myself burned out at the end of November with no big buck encounters. Frustrated, I only hunted one day in December.
As I reflect on the year I recall how much time, effort and money I put into hunting whitetails. When you add this up with optimism, the expected returns can be high and maybe unachievable year in and year out. Dad and I decided to let go of our biggest farm this year to concentrate on hunting the smaller farms. This is also to save some of the work, time and money that has somehow reduced the importance of hunting to us.
I have to say that my wife and family were more supportive this year than I can remember. This gave me a better focus in my life about what is truly important. I enjoy a short get away but I miss my family by the third or forth day that I am gone. Hunting keeps me away from Liz and the kids I don't like that.
Today I started the process of removing stands from the woods. I look forward to next deer season and the focus on camaraderie instead of results. I am going to probably take some time off from this blog but will try to get things rolling again in the spring of 2013. Take care.
