The waiting game

[bsoper]

So, you've scouted out your monster buck. Found his trails, learned his patterns. Opening morning you settle in to your spot/stand nice and early and you wait...and wait...and wait...

What do you do while waiting, how do you pass the time while you wait for mr. monster to come strolling through?

[Easykeeper]

I always have a paper back book with me.  I tried the internet on a smart phone thing, didn't do anything for me.  Tiny buttons, tiny screen, tiny type.

I pretty much just sit with my thoughts.  There are usually enough birds and little critters to watch.  That and deep thoughts...

[TIM B]

I stand most of the time- but just become one with the woods around me and enjoy every bit of it.  I often envision where the deer will come from and keep a watchful eye- I also say my prayers and give thanks!
TIM B

[no]

hand held video games like solitaire

[PaddyMac]

I just watch the doin's going on around me. Birds, chipmunks, bugs. I try and figure out why they're doing what they're doing. They do a lot of trial and error. Mostly error. I was in a ground blind in NW Oregon once and heard something coming down the trail. It took forever. I imagined... bear, bull, buck... and it was a coyote. He walked right by me and then came back. That was an error.

[pdk25]

Hunting from a stand is exhausting for me. I have tried to take a book, but every last sound or movement puts.menon high alert, so I never can read. I guess I pass the time by concentrating.

[KodiakMag]

I enjoy what's going on around me. Even if there are no deer around there are plenty of animals, insect to watch.

[Blaino]

i havn't every understood why guys take books and other things with them hunting.  i have to watch every bird, squirl, criter thats around me.  i hunt/fish to get away from all the hussle and bussle of life.  i love the feeling of blending in with nature. if you watch and listen to them enough they will tell you more then you think.... to each their own though.

[KentuckyTJ]

Scanning the woods and try not to move a muscle with the mosquitos flying around my face.

[KodiakMag]

Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Scanning the woods and try not to move a muscle with the mosquitos flying around my face.

Repel: 40% Deet.   :D

[Rob W.]

I have tried taking a book but felt like I might miss something. Usally if its a weekend there is someone texting me but other than that I take it all in.

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

Whittle or sleep

[Jake Diebolt]

Try and pay attention to everything I can, and run shot scenarios through my head to keep mentally keen...that being said, I usually last about 3 hours on a stand. I certainly can't stand all day.

[hardwaymike]

I always take a book like mentioned above. But I don't ever crack it until I have mentally noted everything around me. The book is mostly so I can sit still as long as possible. I put it away as soonas the lighting starts to fade. Mike

[Red Tailed Hawk]

Just try to become one with the woods, never tried reading while on stand. Spend most time scanning woods and envisioning game coming in.

[WRV]

Semi nap quietly and listen to the sounds of the woods

[Plumber]

I relax. take it all in.an its also a nice time to talk to GOD quite an by myself.

[stevewills]

i cant read while hunting,im like a crack addict when i hear something,looking around trying to find the source of the noise...

[twitchstick]

I find myself total entertained while I sit and wait. I just sit and take in the my surroundings and enjoy the peace around me.

[Bowwild]

I simply observe and think.

I have tried reading because I love to read. However, like some above I can't do it. I read a sentence or two, look around and read the same sentences again.

Last year I tried to do a little e-mail or solitaire on an IPhone. It cost me a shot but the deer returned a moment later and I killed him.  The little screen really messes up my vision when I look at it too.

This year I'll have the phone for emergencies but I'll try to leave it put up.