It’s September 19th. It’s been raining for two days and there looks to be no end it sight. It’s gloomy and cool. It just feels like deer season. I don’t mind, because today, I am one day closer to paradise. I’ve been shooting every day and I’m feeling very confident. A great way to feel 11 days before opening day. I have all of my early season gear separated and ready to wash. Bow is ready. The only thing that seems to be missing is patience. I have never felt so ready this early before, and I’m not sure what to do with the extra time.

We haven’t checked trail cams for a while now, so I’m not sure what’s going on near my stand. It makes me nervous and makes me wonder if the bucks on cam a month ago are still hanging around now. Will they still be there in two weeks? The beans and corn are brown or starting to turn, and I’m afraid they will be out before season. Another reason I’m a bit hopeful that this rain continues for a while. Sorry farmers!

I feel like a child waiting for Christmas. I want to be out there. I want to be up in my stand listening to birds and squirrels. I want to smell the crisp autumn air. I want to take in all that deer season is to me. It’s mystical and magical. It’s beautiful and peaceful. It feels like the last tract of land that hasn’t been touched by civilization, a place to truly get away. Sitting in my stand is the only time I can truly feel at ease. No worries and no stress, the world can’t bring me down. I’m elated. It’s the reward for all of the hard work that has been done throughout the year.

In a little over 11 days, if you need to find me, just look for the white oak tree in paradise.