New Year’s Resolutions for Sportsman

New Year’s Resolutions for Sportsman

By Ben Leal

New Year’s Eve…2022… we’ll be up late and watch the ball drop in New York City signifying the sunset of the year and the dawn of a new one. Like every year that has come and gone, folks from all walks of life resolve to make a better life for themselves. It could be weight loss, maybe a job change, moving to a new town or state; time to start over, or maybe a new life with someone special. Regardless of the reason, the New Year brings a spirit of hope that 2023 will be better than its predecessor.

What about our sporting life? How many of you have made some resolutions that are directly linked to the passions we share outside of our everyday normal life. Hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, biking, boating on and on…all of the things that take us outside. When was the last time you took time to make resolutions about the great outdoors here in Iowa? Well, today’s your lucky day! We’re going to help by giving you a few ideas for your “Sportsman’s Resolutions for 2023”!

Make An Invitation
Over the years I’ve written countless articles. Each one filled with tips and tricks on where to go, what to look for, how to do it hoping that each new piece gives you an edge and creates success. In most cases at the end of each of the pieces, I write I will encourage you all to take a kid or someone that has never been hunting or fishing out and introduce them to the sport. So of all the resolutions, I’ll mention here this month I am going to start with this one…invite someone that has never been hunting or fishing to go out with you.

Young or old, it really doesn’t matter because there is something within us all that longs to be outside. Put that rod and reel in their hands and let em catch a fish. The kid comes out all the time. And if they are a kid, trust me it’s a moment they will never forget, nor will you if it’s a son, daughter or grandchild. Sharing that special moment, the first fish is something that neither one of you will forget. For the adult that’s never been fishing the experience is quite similar and well honestly I’ve heard a squeal or two out of full grown adults. Not sure though if it was the fish or the wiggling worm that caused it…have to ponder that one. But nevertheless, it is a moment not long forgotten. Pass it on…it will never get old I promise.

Learn Something New
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? I’ve been around for oh…well never mind…a while and I’ve taken time to learn a few new things from time to time. And quite frankly it doesn’t have to be something hard. Take for instance fishing. I have all kinds of very sound advice in that regard and I’m sure you want to hear all about it. But I digress. Let’s focus on something that truly is tangible.

When it comes to fishing we all have that go to bait, the one thing we have a TON of confidence in. For me, it’s the plastic worm. I love to cast that thing up around rocks, weeds, trees, grass; you name it. If I can find a place to toss it, then that is where it will go. A few years ago I decided to tie on one bait that I had little to no confidence in and learn how to use it. So for an entire summer, I tied on a variety of jigs and kept one tied on a rod each time I went out. After a lot of practice and a bit of frustration, my success rate improved. I was catching bigger fish too! Sure, the plastic worm is still on but I have a second rod with a jig with some sort of trailer rigged on a rod ready for action.

It doesn’t even have to be related to actually casting a line. How about creating new lures, or tying your own flies. Or hey even this…learn how to fly fish! Warning though, it can lead to pierced ears as well as small impalements as the fly wizzes by. For the experienced fly angler that is the teacher it can be quite humorous to watch and worth the free lessons. And make sure to take video, it’s important to review what went wrong (and great Facebook fodder)

Practice
It definitely can be said that practice makes perfect. Whatever your outdoor endeavors are, practice your skills. If you enjoy pheasant hunting you all know how fast and quick those birds can shoot up off the ground and take flight. More than one tail feather has been nicked over the years. Some gun clubs have electronic clay throwers while others may rely on the old handheld version. Either way, shooting at a moving target certainly will increase your accuracy and success.

The same goes for bow hunters as well as fishermen. As an avid bow hunter myself, my biggest fear has always been that I would take a bad shot and wound a deer that doesn’t result in a recovery. Though inadvertent shots cannot be completely eliminated, practice will certainly limit them. For an angler, especially those that like to pitch jigs and plastics into tight spaces, using a small cup to pitch into will improve accuracy. And while you’re out on the water, be a line watcher; practice watching that line as your lure drops. I’ve missed many a fish because I wasn’t watching what the line was doing and by the time I noticed it, it was too late. Practice, practice, practice…

Learn How To Survive in the Outdoors
While this may be one of the obscure resolutions, it may mean the difference between making it home or not. We all strive to be smart in our outdoor pursuits, but an accident is exactly what it is, an accident. No planning went into getting into trouble, but planning to get out of trouble and survive is something we should all consider. Here are some basic things to think about however this is not a comprehensive list and you should take time to learn more.

Stay Found – Your goal is not to end up on the six o’clock news, but when the realization of the fact that you are lost sets in, don’t panic. Panic can actually lead you into a worse situation that you already are. Keep a topographical map with you if possible.

While cell phones and the advent of modern technology help, there is no guarantee that the signal will be available to you. If you’re on a well-worn trail stay on it, find an open area and try signaling for help. Landmarks help if you can reach someone via cell phone.

Fear The Weather – Always be prepared for the unexpected. Survival blankets that provide heat are actually very small and compact and help keep you warm if you find yourself in a cooling environment. Wear clothing that will keep you cool and dry as well as warm in the cold.

Communicate – I say this often when it comes to ice fishing; always tell family members where you’re going and when you plan on returning. In the case of an outdoor adventure add the location of where you may be on a trail somewhere. If you’re in a group, make sure that everyone has phone numbers. Also, let folks know what you’re going to be doing; biking, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, hunting, ice fishing, whatever that activity let them know.

Buddy Up – Whenever possible go as a group or at least a pair. For some, part of the enjoyment of getting out is time alone. If that’s you, then make sure the one thing you really do is communicate your plans to friends and family. Sharing the experience with your friends and family leads to memories that last a lifetime, while at the same time creating a safety net.

S.T.O.P. – S – Stop, sit and stay…remember to stay found. T – Think. Take time to study your map if you have one. See if you can’t find your location using landmarks that might guide rescuers to you. Remember your direction of travel and the time of day so you can calculate when it will get dark. O – Observe and access your current situation. Are there any other issues that may lead to a worsening situation? Any possible weather coming in…heat or sun that may affect your body. Is there a good place for shelter nearby? P – Stopping to think and observe will help you plan your course of action. Whether or not you need to stay in place and build a shelter or try moving out to aid in your rescue. Staying calm and not feeling the pressure to rush can increase your chances of being found and surviving the night.

First Aid – last but certainly not least. Take time to put together a small first aid kit that helps with cuts and scrapes. There are quite a few outdoor sporting goods stores that sell first aid kits for the outdoorsman. Take stock though and make sure it’s adequate enough to help if needed.

Volunteer
Being a volunteer with any outdoor activity is very rewarding and helps pass along the knowledge we all have to future generations, and to folks that just want to learn about some of the opportunities we have across the nation. Be a mentor to a young hunter or angler. There are a ton of organizations that have mentoring programs. Remember that the future lies in the hands of those that come after us. We need to teach them how to respect and take care of the resources and preserve them for the generations that follow them.

Find A New Fishing Hole
I think that is something that every angler can truly relate to. And even better than finding a new one is keeping it a secret…for a while. And it may not be “new” in every sense of the word, but a new to you place to fish. There’s something about going out to a new body of water, taking the skills that we have and putting them all into practice. Studying the maps, checking the weather, checking your gear and deciding what baits to start with, using every bit of information to make a game plan for the following day.

You roll out and hit the water. Make several casts, not much going on with that bait so the decision to change is made. Another type of bait and…nothing! Oh, now frustration begins to settle in a bit, grabbing your go-to bait and whispering to yourself a few words of encouragement or maybe not. Cast, reel, reel, and wham! Hookset and fish on…see that wasn’t so hard.

Be Kind
My final note to this list of resolutions is to be kind to one another. All too often our social media streams are full of bad news, telling us of tragedies among all peoples. Treat others as you would like to be treated, respect one another and help those that cannot help themselves. Reach out with a lending hand; for that very hand may be reaching down to help you in your time of need. It’s a New Year, a new beginning…a new dawn…Tight Lines My Friends.