KC, reading your post struck home with me. My son is taking the hunter's safety course this weekend - eight hours Sat and Sun. He is 13 this year and I've held him off for a year due to my gut telling me he wasn't ready, particularly with draw weight. Now, he's grouping rather good (withing 3") at 20 yards drawing 45#, about 70 - 80% rate. He hasa way to go, but I'm pleased so far.

I love setting up a new stand. That seems to start the season for me. Yesterday my dad and I went up the hunting property for a work day. We cleared overgrown brush that got out of hand over the years and re-claimed the trail leading back into our 40 acre swamp (it's unreal what 10 years of growth does to a place). The deer sign was great -the rub lines have started as well. We found several fresh rubs all over the place. Looking to be a good year here in MI.