Dec 27, 2025 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

Each year I seem to find a few more body parts that hurt or at least, hurt in a different fashion. It seems to take a little longer for all the assembled parts to wake up in the morning. I am disgusted with conversations that involve the latest pill my doctor has prescribed or the latest procedure that I have undergone. Waiting one’s turn to contribute to the most recent pharmacology report at this week’s geriatric roundtable is a detractant, to say the least.

And with that, I am done.

As an outdoors writer, it is imperative that I get in/stay in good shape so that I can enjoy the pursuits that I write about. I am not a fan of the “New Year’s Resolution.” I feel that resolutions should be lived out daily and not promised on Dec. 31st and forgotten by Jan. 7th. They are best put into action rather than being knocked back and forth between friends, like ideological ping-pong balls. I am setting the wheels in motion for this very plan, right now. This year’s health concerns have had me prioritizing what’s really important, especially in regards to the very real possibility that one’s health can be out the window and gone in the blink of an eye. I am vowing not to take that for granted, ever again. Not that I ever really took it for granted but maybe didn’t cherish it quite as much as I should have. With that little tap on the shoulder, I will commence to take advantage of every opportunity the New Year offers. That means a lot of boxes to check off.

With late grouse season in the rear-view mirror and no January season of yesteryear, I am committed to late-season pheasant walks. Check. Flintlock season came in the day after Christmas and I am planning on treating the primitive muzzleloader season as “my” primary whitetail opportunity. Tags to fill and more than three weeks to fill them. Check-check.

I can hunt ducks on my own from a blind or I can begin strolling the depths of Ten Mile Creek and the Monongahela River for some exercise. Triple check. Shed hunting and winter scouting some new hunting areas are labors of love that are in my sights for the new year, as well. This can be done at a snail’s pace and will probably require some of that same technique. My buddy Kevin is recovering from knee surgery in Mercer County and still has access to some fine beagles. We might have to schedule some relaxed atmosphere bunny blasting in the late season, as part of my recuperation.

I’ve made plans to join the gym as soon as my surgeon will release me. Having gotten so weak just sitting on my butt these past months, I will need to work my rehab like a second job. Probably best that the Doc is not allowing me to go off the deep end just yet with my rehab. Plans to get in the pool for some hydro therapy are just around the corner. The mountain bike needs cleaned and oiled. Tires will need to be inflated. This should break up the monotony of the daily grind rather nicely.

I’ve been writing more these days as I can do less physically and it has been paying off. I’ve struck paydirt with a couple of the major national publications. PA Game News has picked up a couple of my articles recently and I have been trying my amateur hand at shooting photos to accompany magazine articles. If you have not tapped into the use of a small, portable tripod for your cell phone, you are missing out. I had no idea how much easier it makes shooting pictures. My little tripod cost less than $15 and came with a wireless shutter button that makes photos from a distance a snap. Thanks to Travis Lau, editor at PA Game News, for sharing his vast knowledge on the topic.

I have a few weapons that need cleaning which I have neglected far too long. I can recall George Block’s attention to such matters following each season and his diligence to take care of the requisite chores with attending love and care, even if we’d rather not.

A number of cartridges need to be resupplied, thus requiring the reloading press to be returned to action. Most rifle calibers, a couple of pistol offerings and nearly all the hunting shotgun reservoirs need replenishing.

The hunting closet could use a good cleaning and its contents, some mending and a modicum of darning and repairs are in order. There is some kid or newbie who would love to get their hands on some top-quality discards from an old hand’s hunting trove. I know that I appreciated the same, back in the day. Many of those same gifts have maintained a presence in my kit to this very day.

By the time I get all these tasks accomplished, it will be time to begin yard cleaning, outbuilding repairs and farm-machine maintenance. Before I know it, it’ll be time to break out the umpiring gear for the spring softball season.

I think it’s just best if I downshift right now and head for the couch. I’ll need to rest up for all the work that lies ahead. I think my surgeon might agree – a nap could just be what the doctor ordered.

Happy New Year!

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com