There is more to hunting than hunting! Hunters spend many many hours in the outdoors scouting, observing, putting out food plots, trimming shooting lanes, clearing trails and preparing for the hunt. Many of these hours are spent in solitude in the quiet of the forest, forest borders or open fields. This is where wildlife and plant life of all kinds abound. You have to “out there” to see it, and hunters are out there! Most hunters will tell you that it is more important to be out there than it is to be a successful hunter bringing back some game for dinner, or to bring back a trophy. Walking while hunting is also great exercise. The Fall and early Winter are good times of the year to be observant because the leaves are off the trees and you can see things then that you cannot see in the Summer. We wanted to share some photos we took on one morning of hunting.
Lichen and Moss
Fern Leaf in the Snow
Spreading Moss
This large rock is a relic of past farming activity. There was a cluster of rocks in this place in the forest. Farmers moved large rocks to the edge of their field to get them out of the way of the farm equipment. At one time this area would have been the edge of a field. This particular rock is perfect to sit on and take a rest. The tree behind it is a lumber type cherry tree that is used to make fine furniture. This tree is currently larger enough to be harvested, but it has a long way to grow before it is past it’s prime and we will let it grow for at least another decade.
Rock and Cherry Tree
Moss, Fallen Leaves and Twigs
We used to sit on this rock at the edge of the field many years ago. I have looked for it recently but have been unable to find it. On this day, I searched more intensely and discovered it buried beneath a fallen tree, a lot of branches and years of accumulation of fallen leaves. A soil had started to form on top of the rock. The rock is unique for it’s flat surface. Now that it has been re-dicovered and cleared off, we will try to come here more often to, sit, listen and observe.
Uncovering an Old Friend!
Moss, Fallen Leaves and Twigs
Mossy!!