I don't think reading a book or listening to the walkman is necessarily an outlet for boredom. Instead, I use a good book or a radio show to keep me from doing something stupid (like leaving the stand to take a walk, scout around, eat lunch, etc.). When you sit dark-to-dark, you get kinda anxious for some action around noon. A good book or a college football game keeps you content in your stand just in case that wily old buck decides to get up andstretch his legs at 12:30.

Don't hold it against a guy for reading. Hunting is what you make of it. That guy obviously places more value on just the solitude and relaxation of the wilderness. He evidently gets so engrossed in his reading that he doesn't pay enough attention to the passing deer, but that's his own prerogative.

I'd recommend buying and reading "Huckleberry Finn" for the opener. I read it last bow season for a couple hours a day, and it's a fantastic novel, and really puts you in a great mood to be in the outdoors. You'll be waiting to see the ghost of Tom Sawyer when you're finished.

I got "Angels and Demons" for this season. I hope it lives up to the hype.