New Year. New Decade. New You…right? The excitement of 2020 has passed and if you are like a lot of Americans you are still scratching your head trying to figure out how to make this your best year yet. I strive to become a better outdoorsman and enhance the time I spend in the wild every year. The challenge with this aspiration is it can be hard to define and measure.
My solution to this quandary is to focus on 20 small commitments that if added together will ensure I develop as a steward of the outdoors and lay the foundation for future generations. Here is my list and I encourage you to incorporate some of these into your life.
Free
Earn the Sunrise – Every morning the sun rises in the east displaying a magical composition of colors indicating the start of a new day. Whether it is from a duck blind or sitting on your porch…experience more sunrises.
Star Gaze – One of my top memories from 2019 was staring into the Colorado sky arguing with Tyler whether the earth was round or flat. We never came to an agreement but the night sky can provide a spectacular light show that reinforces how small we are in this world.
Get Physical – In order to go farther and hunt longer you need to exercise. Hit a country road for a run or walk. Turn off the music and listen to nature’s chorus cheer you along.
Go Public – You are a public land owner. There are around 610 million acres of public land in the United States. You can access a large percentage of this land for free or a small fee. This is your land so use it.
Fish – If public land access is minimal in your state, then head for the water. There are plenty of lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and shore line that provide ample opportunities to catch fish and spend time outside.
For the Future
Pick-Up Trash – My biggest pet peeve is trash left in the outdoors. Make sure you leave the Earth better than you found it. If you see trash, pick it up, even if some other asshole left it there.
Take a Kid Hunting – Hunters make up a small percentage of the U.S. Population and this number continues to dwindle each year. Get the next generation of hunters involved by taking a kid hunting or fishing.
Contribute to Conservation Groups – Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Foundation are just a handful of organizations that are committed to ensuring wildlife strives in the United States. Pick an organization that aligns with your values and donate.
Start Planning Your Dream Hunt – The best time to start applying for preference points was 20 years ago, the second best time is today. Dream hunts take time to plan, so start today.
Save – Your dream hunt probably isn’t free, so start setting aside money every paycheck to make your hunt a reality.
Get Better
Master your Call – Calling is like playing a musical instrument…it takes practice. Don’t wait until you are driving to the turkey woods to break out that diaphragm, start practicing today.
Practice Shooting – Use the summer months to practice shooting. Don’t fall victim to “throwing a couple rounds down range” to verify your scope is on and call it good. Practice from different positions and with elevated heart rates. It will pay off when the moment of truth comes.
Journal – Document information about your hunts. Wind direction, temperature, time of year, what you saw, ect. Documenting and studying your notes will help you become a better hunter.
Ask an Expert – If you want to be successful…study successful people. Find out what they are doing then do it better.
Connect with Your Food – Learn how to butcher, process, and cook the game you harvest. Two of my favorite resources are MeatEater/Steve Rinella and Hank Shaw.
Seth’s Picks
Go On a Hunting Trip – Whether it’s only a couple of nights or a full week go on a hunting or fishing trip. I look forward to these annual events and they are a great way to relax and recharge.
Simplify Your Hunt – Don’t get caught up with all the gimmicks and new equipment. Pick quality over quantity when deciding on what gear to take with you into the field.
Master the Flight of the Arrow – Learn archery. Shooting a bow teaches you discipline, humility, and reduces stress.
Become a Generalist – I find myself spending too much time sitting in a tree stand waiting for whitetails. As a result I miss a lot of other great hunting opportunities (dove, teal, small game, ect). Don’t fall into this trap. Hunting different species helps you develop as an outdoorsman.
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Here is my challenge to you in 2020. Make your own list. Feel free to use some of mine or come up with your own. Involve your family. Tell your friends. But most importantly have fun.
Until next time remember…You Are Going to Have to Earn It.