Too often as hunters and anglers we just expect good things to happen.
By stepping foot in the woods or venturing onto the water we tend to think we stand a good chance of seeing our outdoors dreams come true.
The reality is a truly productive outdoors lifestyle that sees exciting things happening on a frequent basis is not a product of chance but of focus and declaration.
By making flounder a true priority in 2010 the author was able to catch, release and/or donate to Sea Center Texas more than 300 flounder.
(Photo by Lisa Moore)
I believe it is important to write down the things we want to see happen in our outdoors lives. There is power in physically putting down our goals and concentrating on them throughout a given year.
As we enter 2011, I highly recommend taking some time to write down your outdoors goals list and spend some time pursuing your declarations.
And I do not necessarily mean that everything on the list should have some sort of score by it.
1. Catch 10-Pound Bass
2. Shoot 150 B&C Buck
3. Catch 30-inch Speckled Trout
There is certainly nothing wrong with seeking out those kind of things but a more balanced approach that features lofty goals combined with awareness and education in my opinion is far more productive and strengthens the spirit.
I will share with you my 2011 list to give you an idea of exactly what I am talking about in no particular order of importance.
By declaring you will focus on gaining knowledge of your favorite fish, chances of catching big ones increases greatly.
(Photo by Chester Moore, Jr.)
1. Gain a deeper understanding of what makes all big fish tick.
2. Catch a 25-inch or better flounder on an artificial lure.
3. Learn new “big trout” habitat on Sabine Lake.
4. Increase “pitching” and “flipping” skills and apply to all areas of fishing.
5. Make trip to Panhandle to hunt Canada geese and sandhill cranes.
6. Shoot huge hog with crossbow.
7. Catch 3-pound crappie.
8. Gain deeper understanding of effect of barometric pressure on fish.
9. Capture photograph of cougar on game camera.
10. Spend more time fishing jigs and swimbaits for largemouth bass.
As you can see this list has everything from size to skill goals and in the end they work in conjunction. I have found that simply pursuing record deer or only crossing off huge fish on a list is an empty way to approach the outdoors.
By studying the actions of pros like Gerald Swindle pictured here anglers can enhance their own set of skills and become far more productive anglers.
(Photo by Chester Moore, Jr.)
But by taking some of these fun goals and combining with an increasing awareness of skill and the environments we enjoy fishing and hunting we can greatly enhance our outdoors lifestyle.
I truly hope and pray you have an amazing 2011 and get to see your outdoors dreams come true.