With a fortnight remaining in November and the thermometer readings in decline, a sense of appreciation is building as the transition to indoor living takes place, but only when daylight segues into darkness.
November is a time to underscore rich traditions and the changing of the seasons, and experience the many festive celebrations that take place in our eleventh month, leading us into Thanksgiving and getting us in the mood for the holiday season.
November is for many fun experiences, such as quail hunting in South Georgia and pheasant hunting in South Dakota.
We can hunt quail in our state from November to March, and I will never tire of that opportunity.
It is best to spend time in South Dakota before the harsh weather sets in. Go there in October if you can. Those days out in the woods and fields with the wind bending the broom sage on an otherwise quiet day bring about conspicuous fulfillment as you watch a bird dog search for the scent of a quail bird, as a Bob White himself whistles to let you know you are a fortunate soul.
The rush you get when a covey of quail explodes up and away, which can make your day, or flummox you with resignation that you emptied your shotgun and have nothing to show for it. Quail hunting is such good exercise — it brings an emotional lift, reminding you that when you embrace nature, you think good thoughts, and flashes of humility wash over you.
Ty Cobb, the baseball immortal, who was born in the Narrows community in Banks County, spent his off-season quail hunting to keep his legs in shape for the following year. That was before weightlifting became standard in sports. Years ago, everything you read about baseball players called attention to finding ways to stay in shape in the off-season.
Athletes were reminded of the long-standing saw that the “legs are first to go.”
That would be true in all sports, not just baseball.
Spending a day following a bird dog helps you sleep well at night as you prepare for that early morning routine. You wake up early, often to the barking of birddogs, who realize that preparations for the hunt are underway.
Bird dogs appreciate quail hunting as much as the hunters do.
Early risers are into coffee, often in a room where a roaring fire adds to the atmosphere and enhances the experience. You offer thanks for the encore you are entitled to.
To have the opportunity to hunt in Thomasville, which has the best reputation for the best quail hunting experience in the world, makes you appreciate how great it is to connect with this gratifying activity.
Fly fishing for trout in North Georgia is another fall and winter outdoor activity that enriches the good life for those in our state. Believe it or not, wading in a creek or river when the cold temperatures are dominant is not uncomfortable — although falling into the water and filling up your waders with icy water certainly is.
Seasoned fly fishers say that winter is one of the best times to fly fish, and Jimmy Harris, my favorite fly fisherman, agrees— although given a choice, October is the best month to fly-cast. If you think about it, October is the best month for many outdoor activities.
It has been my good fortune to catch a three-pound rainbow on the Chattahoochee one week and then hook a rainbow the following week in “the marshes of Glynn.”
If only we could make the months of October and November last sixteen weeks instead of eight. Such musings are a reminder that the changing seasons in Georgia are as uplifting as it gets. It is just too brief.
With fall and winter, you can enjoy the best of the outdoors and count your blessings by a languid fire with a good book, feeling thankful for the good living that is available to most Georgians.
The fall season, firewood, quail hunting, and trout fishing can make your day as often as most of us could want. And on top of that, there is college football on the weekends.
Here’s to the fall. Offer up a toast to October and November and count your blessings by an open fireplace.
Selah!