Column: Hunting in the North Country

October Love

By: Brandon Patraw 

It’s not about the weather changing or the leaves falling.  It’s about huntin’ in the Adirondack’s.  Everyone from Lake Clear knows that October is one of the most special times of the year.  Hunting for whitetail deer couldn't be more exciting.  The rush of seeing that big buck tramp through the woods cannot be described.  

October in Lake Clear is about tradition.  Reuniting, with friends and family in hopes of getting the big one.  And after a long day of being in the woods, telling stories of the “one” that got away.  

There are many unique ways of hunting.  Different types of guns all come into effect throughout different times of the season.  Many people start out the season using bows.  

The Whitetail Deer

Bow hunting is popular at the beginning of the season because it’s what opens first.  Bow season starts October 2 and it’s the only way you can shoot a deer for two weeks.  On October 16th a new style of hunting begins.  It’s called muzzleloader season.  

Muzzleloader season can be very tricky.  It can be difficult because you only have one shot and then you have re-load the gun through a timely process.  Most other guns can shoot many bullets without having to put more ammunition in the guns' chamber.  

The next style of hunting is my personal favorite.  Rifle season starts October 23rd and the season ends December 5th.  Rifle hunting is probably the easiest way to shoot a deer.  Rifles shoot very far and can usually shoot more than one bullet in a matter of seconds. 

Hunting in the Adirondack’s is a way of life.  For many people it’s part of their culture.  Often times, when hunting season starts, local businesses will close for 2-3 weeks because people want to go out and hunt. 

Shooting a deer is very important for a lot of families.  Due to our economic crisis we live in today, getting a deer can account for a numerous amount of meals.  

Everyone wants to shoot the biggest deer possible.  Not only because it serves as more meet in the freezer, but also for bragging rights.  If one were to shoot a big deer, the entire town would consider you a legend until someone else gets one bigger.  

After a tiring day of being in the woods, it doesn’t get any better than hanging out with friends and family in front of a fire, watching football.  Hunting in the Adirondack’s is a time of year that brings everyone close.