Wade Bourne: Squirrel season usually comes before archery deer season in most states. During this time I like to ease into the woods with my rifle or shotgun, and watch for deer signs as I hunt for squirrel. This not only gets me outdoors, but it gets my mind back in the rhythm of nature.

This is something I do every season. I'll just ease into the woods in late August or early September. I'm looking not only for squirrels, but I'm looking for where white oaks are beginning to drop, Persimmon trees, and for changes in the landscape.

Maybe a farmer brought in a bulldozer and dug up the terrain or he let a field over grow. I look for something that's different from the prior year.

I'm also looking for deer trails and old rubs as I go.

Anything that indicates deer presence. This information will help me decide where to put my deer stand.

But I guess more than anything, getting in the woods in late August or early September helps me to fine-tune my senses. It helps get me back into nature and learn to watch through the woods, to be still, listen, and have patience. All these senses and factors are important attributes for both squirrel and deer hunters.

It's like a practice session for deer season. If you get into the squirrel woods, you will fine tune your deer senses and then when deer season and opening day arrives, you will be sharp and ready.

 

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