ike most avid whitetail hunters, I start hunting on opening day. That means the start of archery season. I look forward to that day with enthusiasm, encouragement, high expectations and a “thank you” to God the day has finally arrived. Generally, archery season is my most successful hunting period. The woods are quiet and void of distant gun shots, there are fewer hunters, and deer have yet to be pressured and are still easy to pattern. Gun season comes next. If the archery season proves unproductive or if I still have bonus tags to fill, I still hunt every day — or just about every day, changing my tactics as weather and deer movements dictate. I enjoy the November gun season for various reasons but primarily due to the rut. It’s a time of change for both hunter and hunted, especially as the rut period intensifies and reaches its peak. Leading up to its height, surprises are always in store — no matter how well we strategize or
