Better Late Than Never! 2021 Outdoors Resolutions

Deer season delayed this post, but these are my ultimate hunting and fishing goals for this year! Now that I’ve been hunting and fishing for a few years, it’s time to really get serious. And there are a few things that I’ve been wanting to do that I am finally going to make happen.

#1: Harvest a turkey

After seeing turkeys on almost every hunt this year, I’m feeling inspired. It doesn’t hurt that Court makes a pretty amazing smoked turkey breast, too! Almost everything I’ve hunted has been a deer, so I’m ready to try something a little different. Plus, the upcoming spring turkey season in Texas means we won’t have to wait until fall to get back to hunting.

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#2: Harvest a deer with a bow

I thought archery was cool before Katniss Everdeen made it cool. Just to clarify. After this deer season, Court and I agreed it was time to get a crossbow. Some people look down on a crossbow, but it’s just like when people look down on using live bait for fishing. It’s a choice, and if it significantly (and legally) increases your chances at success, then why wouldn’t you give it a go?

Also, I said deer, but I meant doe. The first deer that I ever harvested was a doe, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to worry more about shot placement than antlers for that first time. Archery is hard enough, and I would be thrilled to take a doe with a crossbow for the first time.

I will say that while I’ve had a compound bow for a few years now, I just haven’t made the time to get my draw weight and shooting distance where it needs to be. Which brings me to my next goal…

#3: Increase my Compound Bow Draw Weight to 45 pounds

I’m ready to actually make this happen. Archery takes a lot more practice to grow and maintain your skills, and I just haven’t made the time. I’m pretty deadly at 10 yards with about a 30-pound draw weight, but there’s still a lot of work to be done before I’ll be ready to safely take a shot at an animal. That being said, I’m going to make a conscious effort to be ready for 2022!

#4: Land a Bull Redfish (Red Drum to non-Texas folks)

It’s the one that’s gotten away from me several times over the past few years. Every year, I manage to hook into a monster bull redfish. And every year, I get a little closer to landing one! Last year, he was just inches from getting dragged into the net, but he snagged on the prop and ended up breaking off. Not this year, though; I’m another year wiser on the water, and I’m determined to make it happen.

#5: Learn how to use a bait caster

Speaking of fishing… My favorite live bait to fish with is croaker, and a bait caster makes for the best croaker soaker. Don’t get me wrong, I love my spinning reels (especially on windy days in the Laguna!), but the bait caster just allows for so much more finesse when finagling fish.

Unfortunately, it’s also super tough to cast. There’s a reason most anglers opt for a spinning reel. But as a more serious fisherwoman, I’m determined to master it. Living in South Texas gifts us with a long, warm season of fishing, and I’m always ready to get as much out of it as possible.

Now, YOU are going to hold me accountable!

Or, rather, this post will. But having great goals isn’t any fun without any accountability, right? Maybe? Either way, I’m excited to share my progress along the way! I’ve always been incredibly determined and goal-oriented at anything I do; hunting and fishing are no exception.

Even if I manage to fail at every single one of these goals, I’m grateful for the ability to try and all the extra time outdoors that will undoubtedly result from my efforts.