It's Hunting Season: Do you Know Where Your Camouflage is?

Here in the great state of Kentucky, the season of autumn is upon us. The swimming pools have been covered, the picnic tables stored away and the weather is turning brisk. Actually it's turning downright cold, but it's all part of living in a state where the seasons change. It use to be a gradual change from summer to winter and winter to spring, but these last few years it seems more like only two seasons instead of four; summer and winter. I still wouldn't have it any other way. Even though we only have a short period of time to enjoy the fall weather it's still, in my opinion, the prettiest season of all. No other time of the year do you get to see the vivid yellows, oranges and reds of the changing leaves, the woodsy smell of fireplaces being lit and my two favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

However, there are quite a few people in Kentucky that love fall for a whole different reason altogether - hunting. I don't hunt, but know many guys that do. I love to camp and spend time outdoors, but spending long hours sitting quietly in a tree stand AND getting up before the crack of dawn is really not my idea of a good time.

There is a lot more to this whole hunting business than I ever imagined. I just thought they went out anytime they wanted and hunted, but that's far from the truth. There's actually a science to hunting, whether it's deer, elk, bear, small game, fowl or turkey. Hunting is a very organized and restrictive sport. There are more rules and regulations that I had ever known, but they're there for a reason; your safety and the safety of those around you and to protect the population of the animals. Before you can even hit the ground running (or shooting), you have to have the proper documentation. There are special licenses and permits that state when, where, what and how many you can hunt. There are even specific dates of the month where you have your choice of using either a modern gun, a muzzleloader, a crossbow or archery for deer, elk, turkey and bear! Every state has a Department of Fish and Wildlife website that has all the information you need to legally hunt, fish and trap in your state.

To many, hunting is a way of life and everything they kill, they bring home for dinner.  They're dedicated to the sport and respect all the rules and regulations that go along with it.  Those are the true hunters!  The ones decked out in camouflage quietly sitting in their deer stand for hours on end.  Speaking of camouflage, that is one thing hunters do very well; camouflage themselves to fit in with their wooded environment.  Camouflage clothing is a great way to blend in and nothing screams "hunter" like a pair of lined bib overalls in the "hardwood" pattern (and don't forget the hunting boots!)  With the weather getting downright cold it's important they keep their bodies as well as their feet warm and dry.  It would ruin the excitement of "tagging your first buck" if you were too cold to drag it out of the woods!