November 3, 2009 - The date has arrived. The one all deer hunters have been spending their time and money on for the past several months. The most anticipated hunting weekend in the great state of Texas. Yes, we're talking about  opening weekend for deer season, let the games begin. Some of us feel like there should be ceremonies and the lighting of the torch, a military jet fly over, throwing out the first pitch, Carrie Underwood singing the National Anthem! OK sorry, getting a little carried away.

Many deer hunters have spent countless hours planning and preparing for this weekend http://www.examiner.com/x-15261-Houston-Hunting-Examiner~y2009m9d22-First-day-of-Fall-2009-activities-Deer-lease-maintenance. We've been in the field taking soil samples and planting food plots. Spending countless hours and dollars doing so. Others have been out scouting the landscape for that "special" spot for the deer stand. Deer stands probably top the list for expense and overall pain to transport and put out. Many have invested time and money in deer feeders and the work that goes along with putting them out and keeping them maintained. Trail Cameras are also on most hunters to do list. The installation and upkeep of most cameras will test anyone's patience. The rewards are great but come at a high price. Deer camp is another major time and money getter. We've been fixing or building cabins or shelters of some kind to gather and perhaps sleep in. Transportation on the deer lease is another investment of time and money. There are four wheelers and four wheel drive vehicles to buy or maintain. Others who aren't into the "deer lease experience" have been planning trips and researching information for outfitters trying to find that perfect hunt.

Someone once wrote about the cost of venison versus a premium grade T-Bone steak. Any hunter could go their local grocery store and buy T-Bone steaks for about $6.99 a pound, give or take. The venison per pound weight, after figuring hunter expenses like all the items mentioned above came to about $36.99 per pound.

Most hunters and outdoors people will agree that we aren't in it just for the venison. The time spent with family and friends in all areas surrounding this much anticipated weekend are priceless. Hunting is only a part of the overall experience. If you would ask most who hunt to give you their favorite story it would be safe to say that more than half wouldn't be about the actual hunt itself. It would be about some other memory surrounding the event. We do it for the fellowship, the fun, the memories and the overall experience. Have fun and be safe this weekend. If you're like the majority of deer hunters in this state, I'm sure you've earned it.

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