It’s still dark out. The air is crisp and biting with cold. The ground is covered in a thick carpet of leaves. The forest is silent.
It’s hunting season.
With deer season opened today, and many a Central Pennsylvanian has been preparing for a long day spent in the woods.
“[I] just love to hunt and being out in the woods for the tranquility of it. It’s so peaceful and beautiful during this time of the year,” said Alex Rajcsok (junior-telecommunications).
Local high schools have closed, business owners will “be back later” and what seems like half the population is sitting in tree stands trying to shoot down a prize buck, despite Penn State classes being in session.
Class attendance is always lower on the first day of deer season, said Penn State wildlife professor Gary San Julian.
“Hunting in PA is a long standing tradition and is a part of the social fabric of our culture,” said Professor San Julian.
Some high school students said they would still go hunting even if classes weren’t cancelled.
“If there was school the first two days of buck season, I would skip to go out hunting. My parents would have no problem about that,” said Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School senior Brandon Arthurs.
When students make the transition from high school to college, some are forced to give up their passion for academics.
“My freshman year of college I did go on the first day, but that was it,” said Rajcsok, who has been an active hunter since he was 15.
Hunting isn’t all about “getting the big buck.” It’s a chance for families and friends to bond over one common thread: the hunt.
“Hunting is a huge thing in my family. Almost all my family has been out hunting at least once. It is a great thing because it brings my family together to do things with each other. I get to see all my family that lives out of state every hunting season,” said Arthurs, who has been hunting with his family since age 11.
Hunting isn’t just for boys, either. Elaine Koontz, a film major from Point Park University, has been hunting for three years.
“The fact that I’m a girl in a male sport does not bother me. Other sportsmen have always been very considerate when running into each other in the woods, Koontz said. “Girls hunting is pretty common nowadays, and I meet more and more that go out with their fathers or families. I think it’s great that girls are stepping up and trying to provide for their families in a hunting and gathering way.”
When it comes to preparing the night before deer season opens, Koontz has a strict ritual for getting ready for the big day.
“Well first I get out my clothing. I set out my long johns and long shirts first and jeans. Then, I prepare my belt with my knife and extra bullets. Next, I lay out my snow-suit according to the weather, along with my orange hat and boots stuffed with heavy socks. Secondly, I get out my gun and place the bullets next to it with the scope cover off and safety on. Third, I make lunch the night before and put it in the fridge. Lastly, and most importantly I get out my vest and attach my license to the back and make sure they are visible,” said Koontz.
Koontz’s father, Blaine, chuckled as his daughter mentioned cleaning their rifles.
“Maybe you can start cleaning MY guns!” the long-time hunter said with a laugh.
