Last weekend I was going over the checklist of work that still needs to be done at the farm before opening day: Buy urine to create mock scrapes on trail from bedding area to bean field; apply Deer Trac to food plot next to corn field in back corner; etc.
Looking at the list, I realized we spend a lot of time, money and energy doing things that a lot of folks don't understand. So, while I was alone with my thoughts that day, doing the work, I came up with some signs to identify a land manager.
You might be a land manager if …
1. When your buddy asks, “How are the kids doing?” you pull out your phone and show him pictures of yearling bucks.
2. You can remember the formulas for how to field-score a buck in the field, but you can't remember your wife’s birthday.
3. Your wife catches you on the computer at 2 a.m. looking at ... scouting cam pics.
4. Hearing the sound of a chainsaw in the off-season is almost as much fun for you as sitting in a stand during the season.
5. You check the ScoutLook Weather for weather reports more than your work e-mail.
6. You finance the family’s mini-van, but pay cash for a new tractor.
7. You let a 3-year-old, 12-point buck named Hammer walk because it's the right thing to do.
8. You do your own laundry when it comes time to wash your hunting clothes with scent-killing detergent so your wife doesn’t make them smell like flowers.
9. You create the year’s budget after you pay the taxidermy bill.
10. The last day of the hunting season is bittersweet for you because you're already excited to start preparing for next season.
If the above list describes you pretty well, join the club! We're lucky to have a place like NAHC to come and learn, laugh and talk about our addiction ... I mean hobby.
Add to the list by sharing comments below. I look forward to reading them!