Avoinding the Winter Blahs

January 29, 2010 In The Wild No Comments

…I cannot believe how happy I was to see the sun this past week!…with all the clouds & fog we have had recently the days began to blend together in a gray shroud…during this time of year it is all too easy to fall into the dreaded rut of “staying indoors” and pretty soon the winter blues have you in its grasp…below are some ideas to help get you pumped up and ready to head outdoors

1. Be berry berry quiet - its wabbit season…er, rabbit season! Whether it’s behind hounds or stalking them with a .22, rabbit season runs through February and they can be found on WMA’s across this great state. You don’t need any fancy gear really, but a fresh snow never hurts. Best part is they are darn tasty.

2. Walk on Water - folks are still pulling plenty of fish through the holes in the ice. Daryl Bauer can give you the full low-down, but you can adapt your open-water gear to fish the hard-water season. Just remember to always befriend the person with the power-auger.

3. Schedule your 2010 Therapy sessions - Let’s face it. Our time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and exploring is more than just fun – its our chance to re-charge and put life in perspective. Now is the time to get them on your calendar, before work steals them away or other obligations fill your free-days. Plus, with the sport-show season upon us you can do some prep work or find new ideas for your adventures.

4. Scouting is a family event – I have come to love late-winter scouting…because I can take the entire family. I am not worried about bumping the ‘big-one’ out of the area or running off the tom I will be chasing this spring. I am also amazed at all the treasures (sheds, feathers, etc.) my young son and daughter find on these forays. I win on all levels – family time outdoors, better knowledge of hunting areas and decent exercise, too.

5. Don’t Forget the State Parks & Rec Areas - Many folks do, meaning several of the smaller, out-of-the-way areas are ripe for peaceful, family adventures including hiking and wildlife watching. We are very fortunate here in Nebraska that most of us live pretty close to one of these winter gems.

hershy