Maybe you’re not into turkey hunting. Or, if fishing has been less than productive for you, just stay home and twiddle your thumbs.
That’s not easy for me to say, especially while I sit home struggling to punch out the Weekly Mistake with all 10 of my thumbs! Imagine the mess I’d have trying to twiddle them!
Then again, if you simply can’t make yourself stay secluded, at least not at home, DON’T. In fact, you shouldn’t sit at home doing nothing. There are so many constructive things you can do safely, all while social distancing.
The first thing that comes to my mind, as feeble as it is, has to do with the future of hunting and fishing. Our heritage is indeed in danger, but believe me, we CAN do something about it. We can introduce the younger generation to hunting, fishing – the great outdoors in general, and still practice social distancing.
For instance, kids are out of school for the time being, and probably will be until next fall. So, what to do with them? Well, some years ago the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks saw fit to open a spring squirrel season. This year it opens May 15, and lasts until June 1.
That’s perfect timing for the crisis at hand. So, why not plan to take a kid hunting this spring? Before you even think about taking a kid squirrel hunting, though, there are things you MUST consider.
Take precautions
First, it doesn’t take a genius to know that all sorts of annoying, biting, stinging and sometimes deadly insects come out of the woodwork during the spring and early summer. You must be prepared for them...
To repel mosquitoes, I strongly recommend the purchase of a gadget called Thermacell. I don’t receive a penny for endorsing this product, but I know it is convenient … and IT WORKS to repell mosquitoes! Not only will it make for a more enjoyable hunt, but it will help assure that mosquito-borne diseases will be under control.
Fangs
Secondly, there are those slithering critters with fangs to consider. After being denned up for most of the winter, venomous snakes will be on the move, looking for a quick meal. Of course they won’t eat you or an accompanying kid, but their strike will make life miserable, if not terminal, especially for a kid.
So, warn the kids to be on the lookout for slimey, slithering things. Tell ‘em to look up in the trees for squirrels, of course, but glance at the gound for earthly dangers before each step. It wouldn’t hurt, either to outfit the young ‘uns with snake-proof shoes or boots.
Social distancing
You’ll still want to practice social distancing with the kids, not only for their protection, but yours as well.
Gun safety
And last, but certainly not least, teach any newcomer gun safety. Even small-caliber rifles or small-gauge shotguns can kill or maim. So, before taking an inexperienced hunter to the woods, have them take a gun safety course, or teach them yourself.
Rewards
Once the kid(s) have have knocked a few bushy-tails from the trees, it’ll be time for their reward. Hopefully that will start from the experience alone.
Later, you could fry up a batch of squirrels, or prepare them in a stew for the kid(s). Brag on the meal, too, even if you’re about to upchuck, and tell them what great outdoormen they are.
Then, one day when you’re old, gray and decrepit like me, maybe that kid will return the favor … and take YOU huntin’ or fishin’.
Be safe
Until next time, be sure to wash your hands often, practice social distancing, and most importantly, Keep the Faith.
