You’ve heard it said that "a picture is worth a thousand words." I couldn’t agree more. As I anxiously await the upcoming season and all that comes with it, I found myself thumbing through some old photographs. It’s amazing how just seeing a picture can take you back to the feelings of such a special memory.
 
Although a few years have passed, I’ll never forget my first whitetail hunt in Texas. Not only was it my first time to hunt in "The Lonestar State," but it was also my first time to hunt with a crossbow. On this particular hunting trip I wasn’t just there to walk away with a nice buck. At the time, I was currently representing my alma mater as Miss LSU-USA. I received a call from a friend at Wildgame Innovations asking me to compete against Miss Texas for the title of Miss Wildgame Nation 2010. If you know me, you know that whitetails and a little friendly competition is right up my alley. Before the trip was over, it was clear to see that “there ain’t nothing safe when a Tiger's around!”
 
Speaking of Tigers … did any of you hear that duck season opened early in Texas? Yep, that’s right—my LSU Tigers brought home a win in the opening game of the season against the Oregon Ducks. Some of my fondest memories have been spent in Death Valley on a Saturday night.
 
Let me encourage you, whether you are out there cheering for your favorite football team or dragging a deer out of the woods, remember to smile big and take lots of pictures—you’re making memories that will last a lifetime. There’s nothing like an old photo to put that very same smile back on your face!
 
As always, God bless and good hunting,
Ains
Psalm 107:1