It's crunch time folks. I have 18 days left until I make my way to Wisconsin. 

Archery practice hit a new plateau. My confidence level is growing daily and I'm shooting out to 45 yards. I have practiced from a sitting position. The only thing I have left to do is to practice while wearing my hunting clothes.

Speaking of clothes, I am more than a little concerned about what I'll need to wear. Hunting in Wisconsin during November can offer a WIDE range of temperatures. The advice given to me from my fellow co-workers is to dress in layers. This will give me the option to add or take off layers as needed. It is the unpredictable Wisconsin weather that has me frazzled.

I have also been stocking up on hunting gear and noticed that my old grunt call was looking a little tattered. A quick call to a good buddy, Mike Dukart, fixed that little problem. Mike owns a company called Illusion Systems.

The call has a button on it that changes the pitch from a fawn to a doe and to a buck with the touch of a finger. It's one of those ideas that makes you wonder why you didn't think of it. Plus, I the call comes with an instructional DVD that has boosted my calling abilities. With some additional practice I think I can call in a bruiser buck.

On another note, if you're going on a hunt in another state you need to read the DNR rules and regulations. You might just find a law that catches your attention.

For example, I knew that my bow must be fully enclosed in a case when traveling in a car. After reading more into Wisconsin's regulations, I found out that this rule also applies when traveling in a boat.

As for the fitness program, I am still getting in cardio exercises three times a week. The weight is tricking off, and I am looking forward to lifting weights when I return home from the hunt.

Until next time,
J.D.