Alot of the time I take in the nature and enjoy being there but I always end up daydreaming the what ifs?????
What if an animal comes in from over there or over there at this angle and so one trying to visualize a shot and such.
Then I start imagining if an Elk and a deer came in at the same time, which one would I try for. Like if a Cow elk and a big buck comes in, which one. And so on, Oh yeah bear always gets thrown into the senerios also, although I havent had a shot at one yet.

I don't read cuz it takes you away from watching the woods where the deer are. I try not to look at my watch at all. I play mind games and visualize deer walking in from different spots or different senarios and go thru my shot routine in my mind with the hopes that when the real time comes I'm prepared for anything.

I think I have a terminal case of ADD so I have to entertain myself on the stand when times are slow. I normally take a little nap. Sometimes take my camera along to take pics of nature and wildlife. When it gets late season when Im not seeing much I have been know to take my walkman to listen to a radio show that plays on Saturday mornings. I spend a whole lot of time in the woods and sometimes it gets boring. I have noticed that the older I get the more I appreciate just being out there, but Im still pretty young so my attention drifts.

Great topic for discussion!

First, I go over all possible situations on when and where deer might appear and make sure I have that nailed down 100%. Second, I will think about the beauty of the outdoors and how lucky I am to be part of it that day. Third, I think about my Dad and how many good fishing and hunting trips we enjoyed before he passed away and how I will teach my 5 year old how to hunt someday. Fourth, I will think about the holidays and what gifts to buy my wife and kids, etc. Fifth, I will think about projects or chores that need tending to around the home...and lastly, I admit I will spend some time thinking about work and the office and what needs to get done the next day or week ,etc.

hmmmm..

usually relive the good times when i was single and replay all of the girls i knew in my head.....

or crap i need to do when i get home.... or

think of outrageous stuff, like what would i do if bigfoot stepped out in fron of me.

if you start getting bord you must have a watch with you. I never carrier a watch because you can turn into a clock watcher.
just wait for the sun to comeup and go down then it's time to go home.

But if you don't have a watch, how do you know when shooting hours end?

This is one of the best topics I have seen.

I guess in the early season I hunt pretty hard. No book etc. I try to get settled into the stand and lean back against the tree and just tune in to the surroundings. I always think it is pretty cool when you hear the normal wood noises start around you. It lets me know I have "fit in". I will take a book or a crossword into the woods when rifle season starts, just to pass the time occasionaly. I guess I take bow hunting much more serious.

Adams talked about foggy mornings. I am always fascinated by the way the fog can lift and you see deer just materialize like ghosts around you.

How many people have you had to try to explain to what it is like to just be in the woods?

Sit relax and take in all of the sights around me. Try to be aware of any changes in the goings on around me. Just listen to nature, it is nice to get away from the city and just live. Hopefully that big buck comes and I have the opportunity to harvest him.

I like to take the opportunity to talk to my Lord, Jesus Christ. It's easy to take Him for granted, but when I get out there in His creation to witness the many marvels of nature, it helps me to realize how truly great He is. You get to see the natural balance of the evolving seasons and changes in weather and how it all comes full circle year by year. Seeing nature in its complexity only confirms my belief in a great and wonderous God. I think prayer is an effective and uplifting way to spend my silent hours. It's what I like to do, and I'm proud to serve Him.