Iam in the USMC, and stationed at California. Ive been A Pennsylvania Bowhunter for 15 years. Joined the USMC and now Iam stationed in California. Talk about a change. My first season I would ever miss was in 2001. It was the hardest thing I had ever done missing archery season, even harder than bootcamp. But I made the best of it. And now 2002 came and I told myself never again. I bought a new bow out here, and figured on hunting California. Well I already filled both of my tags. I shot 2 2X2 blacktails in the North Coastal area. I will finish my duty in 2004 August, when I will finally be able to return to the beautiful Pennsylvania woods in 2004 and continue my love for archery. Missing a season only made me love bowhunting even more, and realizing that I can not miss a season without going crazy. txbowhntr at least your going to be able to do some hunting in late Oct. Make the best of it, and I wish you the best of luck and god bless. MATTHEWS