In one week we went from a cool tinge of dry autumn air to a hard frost last night. That was up in Lycoming County though at 2400 feet. Back home in Bedford County today after five beautiful days in the Pennsylvania Wilds on the big plateau near the town (three houses and a store and a campground) of Red Rock.

We normally are there to catch the Pennsylvania Bowhunter Festival but it was cancelled this year due to Covid 19. We kept the reservation though since the area is so beautiful and there are plenty of things to see and do....not to mention the park itself (Ricketts Glen) is surrounded by 100,000 acres of State Game Lands. Altogether a proverbial paradise and game rich environment.

Back home though the emphasis is on readying for the winter to come. We cleaned out the garden this afternoon and called one of our friends to pick up some peppers .... about peck of them that we just can't use ourselves. Sharing the harvest is a big deal around here and folks many times will even have tables out by their homes with giveaway produce. This year was particularly fruitful so sharing it is.

The cold air of course beckons us to get out the bow and arrows and take a walk. Feeling the heft of a good bow and the crisp pull against the taut limbs will get you thinking about those whitetails out there in our woods.

The critters also had a fruitful year, both predator and prey. We even had two redtail hawks raise two chicks this year just behind our house in the little wood lot. Both survived and are still hanging around with mom an dad on daily forays. Soon though they will be on their own.

The deer are plentiful and appear to be very healthy. We are approaching year ten I believe in the antler restrictions and it has made a significant difference in the growth of the buck, both in physical size and size of antlers. I remember the 60's and 70's and the large amounts of deer with small body sizes and small antlers to match. Seeing a big buck was a treat indeed. Now you can see them on just about every trip around the township roads.

The woods this time of year becomes my close companion, not just a place to go to get away. It's like a warm fuzzy blanket of therapy that has more calming effect than any drug ever made. I only need to get a few hundred yards from my vehicle and I'm back five decades and in a much better frame of mind. It's my safe haven in a world that seems to get crazier by the day and I thank God for the good fortune to live in this mountainous paradise.

The next two weeks will be just fine tuning for the start of bow season...two Saturdays from now. Of course we are always ready, buy we still pecker around with this and that...checking for new scrapes and rubs and looking for those heads popping out of the neighbor's corn fields in the evening. The cold weather seems to add to that feeling as well. Autumn is here...days and nights are equal and the season of the hunt is upon us. Stay well my friends and reap whatever harvest you can...be safe and productive and take time to smell the autumn and it's wonderful odors.

Thanks for sharing George. Really enjoyed reading that. It brought back a flood of memories for me. This is the best time of the year despite the things going on in the country. September 27th opener where I hunt. I’m getting everything ready and am very confident with my shooting. Enjoy your season. Mike

Can't wait buddy. we have had two frosts here and expect another tonight. Don't remember that many this early in the year. In fact we usually have gone well into October lately before we get a frost. Our season comes in Saturday and I will be on the ground trying to get it done. Good Luck.

GS,

Well stated my friend. Great perspective. Enjoy your season and immerse yourself in its offerings. Stay Safe/Shoot Straight. MTQuiver

Your post is how i feel and see the woods and outdoors ,as a place that comforts my problems, eases my pains and makes me very happy.....good post, thx

Am I the only one whose chin has gone incognito until the day once again outlasts the night?

Nice Work,George!

Good to see someone with something good to say about antler point restrictions, too!

Soothing and comforting words from one of the Poet Laureates of the Leatherwall. Well spoken George. I too, yearn for the cold air but for now have to settle for cool mornings in the upper 60's. Thank you sir.

Thanks George,that was a pleasure to read.Thanks for sharing. Dan

George, after a certain age it's called Life in the fast lane. Thank you.

Great to ruminate on my days in the PA woods. TX is a world away and living in the big city puts a spin on it, plus limited public hunting is hard on a fellow. Enjoy what you have.

I like the way you think George. This year will be my first year hunting while retired. Looking forward to it.

Well said George. Once again your written word was able to paint a picture for me in my minds eye. Wish I was there with you so you could walk me through your woods. Lance

Lance, you sorta-are here. Your knife is with me and the longbow is on the cabin wall...and Buck's old Sterling knife is in my fanny pack in a Knifeguy sheath. Next thing would be you giving me a call that you're on your way to Pennsylvania. :)

That was a nice break from work here on my lunch break. Thank you George.

George, I’m not giving up!

Great read George. Thanks

Nice stuff George!

Yep..Good stuff George..

Great post George!

Don't forget the apples and apple pie this time of year

The wife also cans pie filling and it is really good. That will come with the Cortland or Granny Smith harvest next month. We already did some cherry and peach pie filling. Not much that we don't "put up" out here. I think last winter we probably didn't have to buy but a few canned goods at the grocery.

Well said, George. Thanks

Good livin !!!!

Got cool awfully fast and that saved us from Hurricanes on the East coast too. I don't want to turn heat on yet but it got down to low 40's and just put some more blankets on myself.

My nurse is a little girl maybe 99 pounds and I told her when she comes here tomorrow to give me the Immunoglobulin medicine IV she better where her skivvies. She would look funny having to where a 3xl flannel shirt. LOL

Indications are we may have a cold winter and fall. Woodcocks from the North country will be on the move south.

Beautiful, George. I felt as though I was right there with you. Thanks. Jawge

Very well said, George. I am the lucky one as I live close to Bedford County and consider George my best friend! I hunt with him as much as possible and yes that calming feeling when surrounded in a hardwood forest, dressed in jeans and flannels, carrying one of my favorite bows and soaking up bits of wisdom or sage advice from him and always somehow archery history makes its way into our conversations. These are days, for me to be long remembered. The fragrance of the autumn forest, the sound of leaves underfoot, the stark green hemlock against the changing oaks and maples. And to be able to share this with someone who has made a impact on your life! I look forward to Bedford County mornings where the hoarfrost coats the fields and hills, the soft evening sunlight while waiting in a brush pile and at twilight, two old friends walking out the trail.

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