This year I never even removed the gun from the cabinet. I own 73 acres in the country: I rarely see another hunter during archery season (except, possibly, the last week of archery when the rut is under way: I may see a few). However, during the 12 day rifle season the gun hunters come out of the wood work. Opening day is like the local mall, the first Saturday is nearly as bad, and the second Saturday (last day of the season) usually includes a big drive.

Meanwhile, my freezer is loaded from three deer I killed from my Dad's yard in Allegheny county (Pittsburgh) with a crossbow. There is not enough room for gun hunting, but all three were killed within 15 yards of my stand anyway.