After preparing for my hunt until a little past midnight I knew I better get to bed soon because 3:30am was coming quickly. Sure enough as soon as I closed my eyes my alarm clock starting going off. After hitting the snooze a few times I finally rolled over and crawled out of bed with the thought of coffee and oatmeal leading me to the kitchen. Honestly, thats what gets me motivated in the morning. I had even more motivation today. With deer on my mind I prepared my hearty breakfast of instant oats and egg whites to get me through the morning. 
My friend, who’s like an older brother to me, picked me up and we headed off to his property about 7 minutes down the road. Once we got there we had over a mile walk to where we planned to hunt. We trudged through shin deep muddy water for a ways and then skirted along the edge of the woods. As we finally made it to a small clearing in the thicket I was ready to climb up my tree with my stand and watch the woods come to life.
Patience. Persistence. Positivity.
Those are the three words I try to keep in mind while hunting. It is not an easy sport so I constantly have to remind myself to stay positive because as long as I keep doing the right thing in the right place, sooner or later it will be the right time. Thats what my dad has always taught me and that’s what I try to live by.
Even though I didn’t see another deer that day I always appreciate just being in nature and enjoying some quiet time. In a stand you finally have time to think or to not think. In my opinion, tree stand therapy is the best therapy. Just remember to bring plenty of snacks!!
Once I made it back home around 11am I passed OUT for a solid four hour nap that was much needed.
Homegrown Harper 