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By The Associated Press
To many, the first day of deer season is sacred. In fact, the first Monday after Thanksgiving is probably responsible for more scheduled vacation days than any other calendar date beyond official holidays.
Schools close, knowing students would "call in sick" regardless, and motorists need not drive far to observe one of the estimated 800,000 orange-clad figures dotting the landscape. In short, deer hunting -- especially the firearms season -- is a Pennsylvania tradition.
It is certainly a time of excitement and anticipation. Trying to sleep the night before the season is similar to how a kid feels on Christmas Eve -- impatient, yet overjoyed to discover what gifts the following morning might bring. As hunters mature, sleep comes easier, but that magical little twinkle of hope still permeates.
Prepping gear ahead of time during the upcoming week is not only an annual rite of passage, but is also an essential component to a well-hashed opening day action plan. Without overdoing it, there are several items every deer hunter should possess to ensure a comfortable, efficient hunt.
Developing a checklist of necessary gear might become a bit extensive, but it is important to remember most items are small, lightweight and stow easily in a hunting pack for comfortable transport and convenient access. Following the mantra that it is better to have more than one needs, rather than not enough when it is needed, a detailed checklist takes the guesswork out the packing process.
Layering clothing is a key to regulating body temperature effectively. Hunters planning to stillhunt, participate in organized drives or cover ground while hiking to their spot should wear lighter clothing than those with a short walk followed by an all-day sit.
Heavy insulated outer layers can always be rolled up and strapped to a pack for the walk in and then pulled on as core body temps cool down after arrival. Removing gloves, unbuttoning the upper neck button of one's hunting top and wearing a mesh-backed hat while moving will allow heat to escape easily.
Once stationary, hunters will want to keep neck, head and hands covered with a quality fleece material to trap in warmth around extremities. A foam seat pad and chemical hand-warmers can help with this in cold weather.
Arriving early to the area one plans to hunt is a great strategy for taking advantage of the hunting pressure that is usually expected opening day. Seek out transitional areas where one type of cover meets another, providing fair visibility with the added bonus of an escape sanctuary.
This may be found on a high mountain saddle where most hunters approach from low-lying fields, along pine thickets transitioning from open hardwoods or deep in a swamp when pressure occurs mostly along the fringes. Draws running from deep hollows also serve as prime travel hubs for bumped whitetails, so stake out these locations early and let other hunters push the deer.
If a change in location is warranted as the day wears on, consider a move to a south-facing -- or "sun" side -- slope where cool season fescue and forbs or hard mast are available. Even better, take post along a trail leading to standing agricultural crops to guarantee being in position for intercepting deer as they travel to feed.
When graced by good fortune have a solid plan for removing a deer from the woods. Never hesitate to ask for help, especially if the drag is of considerable distance or up a steep incline.
A wheeled game cart can really alleviate the struggle from longer transport, but either way, be prepared for some good old-fashioned manual labor. That is why it is always wise to hunt with a partner and inform others of the area being hunted and for how long.
With reporting now available online, by telephone or through convenient post cards included in every hunting digest, reporting deer to the Pennsylvania Game Commission can not be easier. There is no excuse for hunters not to follow through with this incredibly simple process to help maintain accurate records in the name of wildlife conservation and is our responsibility as sportsmen to help manage the game we love to pursue.
Before venturing afield this season, take a moment to enjoy every aspect of the hunt, from the preparations, restless sleep, location for the hunt, filling a tag and the hard work to follow. Deer season is something special, so make the most of this beloved Pennsylvania tradition as memories are forged to last a lifetime.
2016 Firearms Deer Seasons
One antlered deer is permitted per license year; an antlerless deer with each required wildlife management unit antlerless license or DMAP permit.
WMUs 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D (Antlered and Antlerless): Monday, Nov. 28, through Saturday, Dec. 10.
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E (Antlered only, except holders of DMAP permits may take antlerless deer designated land): Monday, Nov. 28, through Friday, Dec. 2.
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E (Antlered and Antlerless): Saturday, Dec. 3, through Saturday, Dec. 10.
Hunting Pack Essentials
Here is a list of some needed items and others to consider packing before heading afield in deer season:
License and tags; Headlamp or flashlight; Ballpoint pen; Safety pin or zip-tie to attach tag; Wallet; Knife and small bone saw; Rubber field-dressing gloves; Drag rope; Chemical hand warmers; Cover scent or field spray; Toilet paper and wipes; Extra clip and bullets; Lightweight rain gear; Spare pair of socks and gloves; Wool sweater, fleece shirt, vest and cap; Extra large Ziploc bag; Compass or GPS; Cell phone or two-way radio; Digital camera in plastic bag; Spare batteries; Bottled water; Snacks or bag lunch; Foam seat pad; Emergency fire starter; Small section of duct tape.