In the south, we have false seasons. False Spring where we have a few warm days only to be followed by a couple weeks of bitter cold and lousy weather. Then we have false Summer. This is where the mercury creeps up into the 90s, but the water is still in the 50-60s– too cold to swim, but hot enough you want to. Then the weather shifts back down to the 70s for highs and you forget about those few warm days. Then there is the false Fall. False Fall is just like the false Spring and False Summer. Typically we have 2 or 3 of them per year– cool, low humidity days followed by blistering hot, humid, miserable weather.
But finally, deep in September or sometimes as late as the middle of October, that first crisp morning happens and the season is once and for all firmly established as Fall. Here in Arkansas, we have not had that special day just yet. We are close, but still hovering in that nether territory where it could get really hot or very pleasant.
That day is coming soon, however. On the flip side of the great weather the fall season offers is the shorter daylight hours brought on by the sun’s orbit angling toward the south by degree. You can’t win them all, can you?
What you can do, however, is make the best out of these awesome fall days with the time that is in them.
Many of you already do this. You adjust the alarm so you can get up early enough to get stuff done, you plan ahead for the things you want to do, and you schedule some time off to get away from the job.
I know August is the National Shooting Sports Foundation Shooting Sports month, but with awesome Fall weather here, it’s officially (and practically) TIME TO SHINE!
Deer Season
If you are a big game hunter, you might be a little behind the eight-ball if you haven’t started getting ready for the season just yet, but it isn’t too late. Head out to your favorite hunting grounds and do some scouting. Walk slow and observe. Be on the lookout for game trails, scrapes, and rubs, if you are after deer. I don’t know any secrets in the world of pronghorn or elk. You’ll have to consult an expert on Western hunting for that!
Once you find a good location where you can see the sign you are after, scout out some places to set a blind or tree stand. I know in some places, it’s not legal or wise to leave a stand in place, but do go ahead and at least test out your chosen location. Once in the tree you can see if you need to clear out some brush for a shooting lane. Some lopping shears, machete, or even a small saw will be really handy for this.
Bow season starts soon, if it hasn’t started already. If you are airgun hunting, most places toss us airgunners in with modern rifle season which typically opens several weeks later. Get your hunting spot squared away and get your hunting gear in tip-top shape, NOW.
Small Game Season
In most states small game seasons are generously long. What is needed to prepare for hunting small game? Minimal scouting. Generally small game are found in profusion anytime you get out in the woods. Food sources like oak, pecan, and hickory trees are always good to locate as in the fall, squirrels are busy cutting nuts. Traditional hunters will break out their shotguns and .22LRs for small game. Us airgunners can reach for our favorite .177, .22, or .25 caliber air rifle. Springers like the Ruger Targis Hunter Max or the new Umarex Emerge are logical choices for small game. They are easy to operate, powerful and accurate. Not to mention affordable.
If you have already stepped into the PCP waters with a rifle like the Origin or the Gauntlet, you already know how amazing these rifles are. If you are looking for the most rocking air rifle for small game hunting this year (and likely years to come!) it can be found in the Notos. It’s small, it’s lightweight, it’s crazy accurate, and it is, especially for a PCP, very affordable.
Not a Hunter? It’s Still the Season!
Even if you aren’t going after any furry critters with your airgun, you can’t beat Fall for just getting in some quality trigger time. Yes, the range will likely be crowded with other shooters, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying your air rifle and the great weather. A good tip for beating the crowd to the range is to… beat the crowd to the range! Getting there early is a good way to avoid the dudes who like to sleep in on Fall weekends. If you are fortunate enough to have your own airgun range, you are truly blessed. Turn off your phone and get your targets in place and get after it. The lawn can wait, so can oil changes and haircuts. Stock up on plenty of BBs, pellets, CO2, and target paper– whatever you need to fuel your passion!
Winter can get here in a hurry some years, so don’t waste your opportunities to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.
