I've often noticed how deer live mostly in a quiet environment. Even this morning I watched one particular city dwelling doe begin to get a bit nervous when the noise of traffic began to surround her.

For the past few days I have sat in a tree stand while temperatures soared into the seventies. And I'm hunting in the Midwest in November! During each afternoon's hunt, I only wore a T-shirt and carried a light jacket in case I needed it.

November is undoubtedly the best month for seeing big deer in most states. The bucks are either cruising for a doe that is ready to breed, or they are already hot on the heels of one that is in sight

Next week I'm going on my annual trip to Missouri. I've been deer hunting there for years and have some wonderful friends there.

I have a recent vivid memory. It's not going to impress you, but I can't get it out of my mind. I went to the woods, got out of my truck, walked a few steps, and looked up and around.

It was a cold October day. The fog wouldn't lift until late morning. It was the opening day of Kentucky's muzzleloader season, and I was high atop a mountain looking for a buck making his way back to his bedding area.

As a young adult, I remember fishing the riverbank at Mr. MacDonald's farm. (Yes, Old McDonald had a farm. (Lol.) He was an older man whose property ran along the river.

I made my way to the tree stand on opening day of Tennessee's deer season. The weather was perfect, including a chance of light rain. I had prepared for this hunt by being meticulous about being scent-free as much as possible.

I've always prided myself on trying anything once. That doesn't mean I throw all caution to the wind and do things like swim with alligators, but generally I'm game for giving something a first shot.

Most of us hunters like to consider ourselves of the diehard variety. We're not afraid to get up early, stay out late, and do whatever it takes to get our deer.

I always try to notice the oak trees around my hunting areas

In my area, flea markets are more popular than the mall.

Another Outdoor Truths Circle Event in the books. This was our second one on the North Fork River.

One of the benefits of hunting is getting to see so many different animals and other things that one just doesn't get to see otherwise.

I have fished since I was a teenager. I started fishing for carp in the canals of my little town.

I know no one wants to think about it since we are in the sweltering summer, but deer season is just around the corner. South Carolina's season actually begins in the middle of August.

I have a favorite blanket. Don't laugh. You probably do to. And if you don't now, you once did. Deny it and I'll just ask your momma, and she'll show me picture after picture of you with your thumb in your mouth and your blanket over your shoulder. My own son was not only attached to a certain blanket, but he also had a favorite corner of the blanket.

The map showed 700 acres in famous Pike County, Illinois. And it was ours to hunt - 4 of us, that is. We had planned on this hunt for months and knew we would be arriving at the prime time for the rut.

In my area there are a few small streams which feed into the rivers.

I love getting gift cards. Some people think these are too impersonal. I don't, because I prefer buying what I want instead of getting an engraved key fob or a bottle of Old Spice for a gift.

A few weeks ago, I got to spend a morning deep-sea fishing. I've only fi shed the ocean a few times and each time has either been in the coastal waters or within a few miles from the shore.

What the hickory chicken is to spring, the catalpa worm is to summer. You just don't eat em'. The catalpa worm is another special surprise that shows up in June or July.

If you hunt or fish long enough there will come times you must give up your passion for other things. I can remember years ago opening a business during hunting season.

As a youngster, there was one activity that characterized my summers - swimming. I loved to go to the public swimming pool and stay until my fingers and toes were wrinkled up like prunes.

One of my past-times that increases between hunting seasons, is cycling. I've been enjoying this activity for nearly a decade. Most of my rides are short enough that I don't have to think too much about water, an energy snack, or any extra equipment.