Try It You’ll Like It
By MVP Outdoors, Special to the Pekin Times (12/27/07)

This is the time of year when outdoor enthusiasts seem to spend more time indoors reflecting on those memorable moments of the passing season. Don’t let the cold push you indoors. This is the time of year to dress for the weather and enjoy the great outdoors. You can take advantage of the fact that less people are tromping through the woods.

The big bucks that survived the crazy season are out moving again, the patterns have changed but this is a good time to bag a big one. It’s the best time to try coyote hunting and bring a balance to the system. Ice fishing is one of the most productive methods of putting a limit in the freezer. Goose hunting is a great way to spend time in a heated pit with friends. If that’s not good enough, go on a trip because it’s warmer somewhere else. The important thing is there is a lot to enjoy and a whole world of new experiences.

My favorite winter passion is stalking whitetail in the snow. Deer seem to be a little snow blind on those fresh snows especially while the snow is falling. It’s a lot easer to slip up on them when leaves and twigs aren’t crunching under foot. Our ability to see them first is greatly improved. Our scent disperses up and out of the way much faster in cold weather. Snow will actually act like a filter and absorb scent and carry it to the ground. It’s really better than carbon. If you play the wind, move slow, you stay warm and you become an effective predator. The level of satisfaction is much greater when you stalk. It will open a whole new world of pleasure to your outdoor experience.

Happy New Year,  have fun be safe and try some new recipes they are a major part of the memories.