I realize our regular firearms deer season is over for this year, but if you were not able to tag that deer, there are still some opportunities left.
Our statewide flintlock deer season for both antlered and antlerless deer runs from Dec. 26-Jan. 20. Sure, you have to put that high-powered rifle with the scope back in the gun cabinet and get out that primitive flintlock, but that doesn’t mean you can’t score. Several years ago, I found myself perched in a treestand with my flintlock, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. It was my first hunt with a flintlock, and my confidence level was low. I was at the inside corner of the woods overlooking a field when a big doe came from the other side of the field and stopped within about 40 yards of my stand. She stood broadside, and I readied my flintlock and squeezed the trigger. To my surprise, the deer dropped almost immediately. Yep, they really do work.
Even if you don’t plan to go out with a flintlock, your hunting still isn’t over; squirrel hunting season continues from Dec. 16-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 statewide. If you are still hung up on using a scope and a rifle, then get out your .22 rifle and head out for some squirrel hunting. Years ago, I used to spend a lot of time perched on a log, watching all around me for a squirrel to move. No, it’s not the same as deer hunting, but it’s great fun nevertheless. Squirrel hunting with a scoped .22 rifle is also a great way to teach rifle-hunting skills to a young new hunter.
If a squirrel hunt doesn’t do it for you, get that shotgun out and head to some brushy tree lines and overgrown fields for rabbit hunting. Our statewide rabbit season still offers hunting from Dec. 16-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28.
When I started rabbit hunting, I did it the hard way, walking a lot and a lot of brush kicking, but I’ll be honest: a good rabbit dog can make all the difference.
Another big plus is that a few good rabbits can make for a great meal when prepared properly.
In addition to rabbit hunting, you might also want to try to bag a couple of ringneck pheasants, such as those colorful birds that used to be seen all over the place at one time. About the only place you will find pheasants now is where the Game Commission stocks them.
In recent years, I’ve been on a few hunts with some dedicated pheasant hunters who know where to go, and we’ve actually bagged pheasants on those hunts. I’ve actually limited out with two on a couple of occasions.
Grouse hunting is also in until December 24, but good luck trying to find any.
Well, if you can’t get any more hunting in over the next few weeks, we still have ice fishing to look forward to; that is, if it stays cold long enough. Over the past couple of years, the ice has started to form, and then we get those few warmer, rainy days, and there goes our ice. We’ll see. Maybe we will make it out on the ice around Christmas.
