September 29th-30th. October 5th-6th. October 12th-13th. October 19th-20th. October 26th-27th. November 2nd-3rd. November 9th-10. November 16th-17th. Novermber 23rd-24th. November 30th-December 1st. These are all of the Friday and Saturday hunting trips that I've been on. If you looked closley you would notice that this has been every weekend of the open season.

I spent from about April of 2007 until August 31st of the same year researching everything about hunting I could ever think to imagine. I wasn't priveleged to grow up with hunters so I never had anyone who took me under their wing and showed me any tricks, tips or even gave me encouragement with my interest. I had no idea where to even start. All that I knew is that I had the internet, a vast source where I could hopefully begin my journey into this world that I knew close to nothing about.

I've always been around firearms my whole life. I've always loved the outdoors as well. So with the knowledge I had about both I decided that this would be a good hobby to get into. I purchased the necessary basics (as best as I could figure) and then went to a Hunters Education class to become certified. The class helped me quite a bit, but also assumed that I knew a lot of things that I didn't. Texashuntfish.com, which I have been a member of for 6-9 months has been an invaluable resource. The links and advice posted have given me a lot of pointers and a lot of great direction. The pictures have given me hope and excitement for when I take my first game animal.

Well I finally purchased my licensces at bass pro.I felt like an idiot when I asked my cashier about tags, and stamps and endorsements. I made it through that and then began planning for my first trip. My first trip I didn't see anything except old (as far as I could tell) tracks, what looked liked scrapes and what looked like bedding. I was grossley underprepared for this trip and immediately after I went to Outoodor World and purchased more things that I felt I needed.

Every weekend and a few weekdays here and there I've gone to my various locations and sat by myself and waited. Blown on my call for hours and sat still for twice as long. Put up scents and worn scent removers. Followed as many trails as I could muster and exerted about as much patience to last me a lifetime.

Every weekend I have failed to see or hear anything. If I happen to find any sign of any animal seems old and usually dead ends into a place that probably held water from the weeks rain but has since dried up. The only animals I have see have been rude, loud, law-breaking hunters a few birds, and a few snakes. I haven't seen so much as a squirrel, rabbit, hare or chipmunk, much less a hog or a deer.

Needless to say this is all very frustrating. When I don't have a weapon with me I've seen deer, hogs, coyotes, squirrels and rabbits. The second I have that bow or shotgun by my side I don't see anything. I guess this can be expected for a few more seasons until I finally figure out all these things. I only take consolation in being in the outdoors, my favorite place to be. Being able to say in 10 years that I am a self-taught hunter and being able to give my children the opportunity to have what I did not. Someone they can learn from and someone who can show them the way so they don't have to grope through the dark.

So you'll still see me out there every weekend. With my hunters orange my bow and shotgun and all. I'll be stickin it out for many many seasons to come. I know it will feel so rewarding when I finally do get my first deer, hog, coyote, duck or whatever animal I am finally blessed enough to take.

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