The deer hunting season has wrapped up here in New York State for the year. Many of us are still trying to put away our hunting clothes and organize our thoughts about what happened last season, and what we can look forward to next. While the dream of tagging a big buck may not have come true this past fall and early winter, it is never too early to start looking ahead to next season.
Small Game Season Continues in New York State
Here in New York State, small game season continues. Hunters are still pursuing squirrel, rabbit, and other small game. Small game hunting is exciting, and it’s also a great way to introduce kids to hunting and the outdoors.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does an excellent job organizing hunting seasons throughout the year. Small game hunting is also an important tool for keeping animal populations in check, and it provides another great opportunity to scout for deer toward the end of the season.
Getting Back Into the Woods After Deer Season
I was in the woods this past weekend just taking a walk with my son and our new puppy. Fresh air and exercise are great for kids, and puppies! Everyone knows the old saying that a tired dog is a good dog.
Beyond the exercise, it was a great opportunity to assess the damage left behind by recent windstorms. It was also a chance to check on how our tree stands and deer blinds held up after the season.
Finding Time as a Hunting Parent
Before I had kids, it felt like I had far more time to get things done at the end of deer season. I haven’t even put all of my hunting clothes away yet! In past years, by this time, my pop-up blinds were stored and my tree stands were either secured or taken down before the long winter set in.
Hunting for decades has taught me a lot, but hunting with kids is a whole new experience. It’s both exciting and frustrating at times. Still, there’s no better reward than seeing hunting season through a child’s eyes or introducing them to the outdoors and conservation.
Blinds vs. Tree Stands With Kids
For me, hunting in a blind with kids is much easier than using a tree stand. As they get older, I know it will become easier. Our 10-year-old son can now climb into a tree stand on his own, which is a big step.
But kids are kids, they move around and love to chat. Being in an enclosed blind makes things easier and gives us a better chance of actually seeing deer without spooking them.
When Mother Nature Has Other Plans
At the end of this past hunting season, like many busy families, we had to boogie out of the woods and ended up leaving my pop-up blind behind. I fully intended to return and put it away in time, but Mother Nature had other ideas.
Related: New Dates Added for Deer Season in New York State
The heavy, wet snow that fell right around Christmas put a damper on those plans. When we were back in the woods this weekend, I noticed the snow had destroyed the blind. Pop-up blinds are great, but heavy wet snow here in New York State can cause serious damage if they’re not taken down in time.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
I’ve often thought about investing in a wooden or fiberglass blind. Redneck Blinds look amazing, but they can be pricey. Friends have also suggested Amish-made blinds or even building one at home with the kids.
That’s something I’m seriously considering during the offseason. It could turn into a fun summer project and create even more memories along the way.
Memories Matter More Than Gear
Good luck to everyone still getting out for small game hunting. And to those taking kids into the outdoors, I understand both the challenges and the rewards you face.
In years past, I might have been frustrated about losing a blind. This time, I’m thinking more about the memories we made inside it and the new opportunities waiting for us next season.
3 Important Reminders For Deer Hunters
Gallery Credit: Clay Moden