Here in the North Country it’s feast or famine when it comes to hunting and related activities. As we move into the second half of September and then October, it’s definitely a feast … or as it’s called in this part of the world, a “smorgasbord.”
On Saturday, Sept. 17, we not only open bow season for deer here in Minnesota—that date also kicks off the rabbit, squirrel, grouse and partridge seasons. Dove season opened at the start of the month, as did bear and the early Canada goose season is underway, too.
Then Minnesota decided on an early duck opener this year, so that will start the 24th. A good friend and fellow NAHC Member who I wrote about before because he helped me train for the Dall’s Sheep hunt a couple years ago—Emerson Brady—picked that weekend for his wedding. He thought he was safe because Minnesota “never” opens duck season until October. Sorry, Bud. And of course, for the "North American Hunter-TV" team, taping for 2012 shows is already underway and will just pick up momentum week by week.
See what I mean—a smorgasbord of hunting opportunities and outside responsibilities from which I must choose. Much as I want to, I haven’t figured out how to be in more than one place at one time. (I took Emmer to shoot sporting clays this week to make up a little bit for the fact I won’t be witnessing he and his bride exchanging vows!)
On top of all that comes an e-mail reminder of the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair near Atlanta September 23-25. This is an event I truly wish I could make, but once again the immutable law of physics will prevent it.
First, EPIC stands for “Education, Participation, Instruction, Competition.” It’s an event designed to bring both newcomers and veteran outdoors folk together with benefits for all. Presented by Safari Club International and Quail Unlimited, EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will include seminars, spectator trials, demonstrations and competitions. Outdoor villages will feature shooting, archery, fishing, dog training equestrian events, ATVs, and birds of prey, plus food and drink, stage shows and more. They’re figuring on more than 200 exhibitors and nearly 30,000 attendees in the 3-day event! EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will be held on 1,100 acres at Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club outside Atlanta—just 20 minutes from the airport.
While I can’t be there myself (unless somebody can loan me their Star Trek transporter unit between now and then), the guys and gals from Mossy Oak Gamekeepers will be signing up subscribers for the new Mossy Oak Wildlife Obsession e-newsletter, and taking entries to win the Special Edition Gamekeepers HuntVe electric utility vehicle and prize package worth more than $16,000. If you’re lucky enough to attend EPIC Outdoor Game Fair, please stop by to the see them and tell them Bill Miller says “hey” from the duck blind!