I'm always excited about the times I get to go on an extended hunting or fishing trip. The expectations are always high and the opportunity to go with a friend makes the miles pass quickly and the laughs come in abundance

A beautiful buck came out about sixty yards to my right. Just by the size of his rack, I knew he was a good deer - a definite ten-pointer. I didn't have much time to gather myself for a good shot because he wasn't going to stay around long.

I used to write with a very narrow mind when it came to the outdoors. I only imagined my little area when it came to things like weather and the activities that one could be involved in.

An arctic cold wave has swept across the country. It was short-lived, but it was brutal. My own temperatures dropped to -13 degrees with the windchill. I had no plans of hunting during this time, but I did go hang out in my barn, around my Buddy Heater, on one afternoon

I've always considered myself a prepared hunter. Some would say over prepared. I very rarely go into the woods without my backpack. During the colder months, this is especially true.

We're coming down toward the end of deer season. I have not put any meat or antlers down at this time. I'm still waiting a little longer before I take a doe, but I hope I don't wait too long.

I'm not a very good deer hunter. Oh, I've harvested several animals over the years, and I have had my share of good days, but I'm really not very good. I scout. I plant fields. I put out cameras.

This time of the year, my preferred hunting location is close to a heater. That means I'm either in a barn or a blind. Since I'm either rifle or muzzleloader hunting, I can give myself a little leniency when it comes to smell.

This the time of the year I spend most of my days hunting in the barn. I've enjoyed the past several years so much, I have added another barn, at another location, and have started turning it into Barndominium West.

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.