They say bitter cold driven bone-deep by winter winds makes us tough . They say constant snow and ice and vehicle doors frozen shut are simply challenges we overcome with ingenuity and tranquil patience . They say we take it in stride when a novice driver slides past a stop sign at an intersection , or a person slips and crashes into the concrete while simply walking outdoors . I don ’ t know exactly who “ they ” are , but I ’ m betting “ they ” have a winter home in Arizona or are taking back-to-back winter cruises in the Caribbean . And some nights when the Hunter ’ s Moon shines brightly over snow and frozen wetlands , when the galactic display is also glacial , my wish is I was “ they .” •
went back to my warm bed .
The deer had no doubt saved the lives of countless ducks and geese , or at least saved me from a morning of sheer pain and misery . I could hunt waterfowl when the sun came up . My friend was driving his wife ’ s car , and my guess is he had a morning of pain and misery with neither the joy of a warm bed and couple of extra hours of sleep , nor the thrill of the hunt .
Three days later I was back home on Halloween moving frozen pumpkins off the front steps so children could safely beg for candy . Hardly any children showed up , and those who did had costumes covered in layers of winter clothes . I had purchased a large amount of candy , including a five-pound bag of miscellaneous chocolate bars so good as snacks in a duck or deer blind . My wife Lila did not notice the bags of candy amongst the general clutter I left in the kitchen . She bought several more bags , also including
chocolate bars .
The bottom line is kids that did “ trick or treat ” at our house were richly rewarded for braving the elements , and we still have 10 pounds of chocolate bars left , about right for a weekend hunt . One tip : A small Babe Ruth will fit nicely in the chamber of a shotgun , so keep your shells in a different pocket . Deer hunters needn ’ t worry , unless they have Tootsie Rolls and a . 270 or larger caliber rifle .
I don ’ t know what to think about this weather . I like to hunt pheasants in snow , assuming the snow is only a couple inches deep and the temperature and wind are mild , but not in October . Those days should be reserved for November hunting , the same time deer season is also open .
It seems the last few years we need to winterize our cabin earlier and earlier , definitely before Halloween . Our coat rack is now covered by a large selection of light jackets and heavy parkas shortly after Labor Day . If this trend continues , I ’ m thinking the 4th of July holiday might be an appropriate time to drain the pipes .
They say bitter cold driven bone-deep by winter winds makes us tough . They say constant snow and ice and vehicle doors frozen shut are simply challenges we overcome with ingenuity and tranquil patience . They say we take it in stride when a novice driver slides past a stop sign at an intersection , or a person slips and crashes into the concrete while simply walking outdoors . I don ’ t know exactly who “ they ” are , but I ’ m betting “ they ” have a winter home in Arizona or are taking back-to-back winter cruises in the Caribbean . And some nights when the Hunter ’ s Moon shines brightly over snow and frozen wetlands , when the galactic display is also glacial , my wish is I was “ they .” •
Bill Antonides is a retired SD conservation officer and freelance writer . You can contact Bill by e-mail at billantonides @ abe . midco . net
Page 10 , Dakota Country , December 2023 www . dakotacountrymagazine . com