Articles by John J. Woods

Hunting

New rules mean less smoke, more thrill

November 28, 2007 John J. Woods

Deer hunting with primitive weapons has been radically redefined. Actually the new ruling took effect in the 2005-06 hunting season, so this will be its third year in force. Hunters are still just learning what the provision is and what it means to deer hunters looking for an alternative to blackpowder rifles for our two special primitive weapons seasons in December and January plus on into February in the Zone 2 southeast section of the state. […]

Deer Hunting

Some ideas for your deer backpack

October 23, 2007 John J. Woods

It’s a good thing somebody invented the ATV; otherwise, I could never get all my gear to the deer stand. Well, the guys in my deer camp don’t call me the Gadget Man for nothing. You may recall Gunsmoke episodes where the old traveling salesman would drive his wagon into town with his stock of house wares banging and clanging from the wagon. That’s me, except I use a Honda Foreman. […]

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Hot-Weather Rut

October 23, 2007 John J. Woods

Deer hunting in hot weather stinks. Literally! Just sitting there in a tree stand with those pesky mosquitoes buzzing all around my eyes, nose and ears with the sweat beads rolling down the back of my shirt and beyond is not exactly my idea of whitetail hunting under ideal conditions. […]

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Loading The Meat Pole

September 24, 2007 John J. Woods

Taking a deer for the freezer is just as tough as taking a trophy buck. Many hunters certainly would not buy into that statement at all, because for years they have been successful at putting venison in the freezer but alas have yet to mount a big buck on the wall. Based on recent reports from the woods and fields though, this situation has been gradually changing over the past several seasons. […]

Hunting

Are you ready for bow season? Really?

September 24, 2007 John J. Woods

It may be way too hot and humid to be outside these days, but it’s that time again to limber up the ol’ bow. And at the same time, also getting the shoulders, arms, and neck muscles stretched in shape. Getting that sighting eye tuned in again is good practice now, too. Before you know it, our designated start-up archery season the first day of October will be here. […]

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Know and Go

September 24, 2007 John J. Woods

At my age I have just about broken all of my bad habits. I don’t smoke anymore (except for an occasional cigar at deer camp), don’t drink much either (well, maybe just a beer or two with my brother on fishing trips), no drugs at all (not counting a handful of prescription meds everyday), definitely don’t hang out at honky-tonks all night, and I no longer deer hunt at daybreak. […]

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Public Patronage

August 20, 2007 John J. Woods

Mississippi may have too many public land locations for hunting white-tailed bucks. Bet you never heard that statement made before. And you’re probably thinking where in the world did this guy come up with that one? […]

Hunting

Get ready now for hunting season

July 23, 2007 John J. Woods

This time of year, most hunters are hunkered down under an air-conditioning vent. It’s still a bit of a wait until hunting season, but that doesn’t slow down the daydreams or anticipation. Patience may be a grand virtue, but in August, it’s wearing thin for hunters. […]

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Bigger and Better

June 25, 2007 John J. Woods

White-tailed buck racks have never been bigger in Mississippi than they are right now. It seems we have a virtual explosion of big bucks in this state, and plenty of evidence exists to prove it. […]