I've been sitting on this thread for a while. Now that the rut is fast approaching for me, the hunting mania is steadily increasing. Soon the time will come to crank the knob to 11, and hunt until my health and sanity are temporarily ruined.
All day rut sits have proven incredibly successful for me, but the fact that they coincide with our worst weather and follow the hectic holidays mean they take a big toll. We always search for that little edge, and like pro athletes, I know some of us turn to performance boosters that allow us to achieve superhuman feats.
I thought it would be interesting to hear what everybody was using to push through the hard days. I'll start the confessing:
Please note that this is very much a for-fun thread. I do not advocate anybody snorting coke to stay awake in the deer stand. You maniacs stay safe!
All day rut sits have proven incredibly successful for me, but the fact that they coincide with our worst weather and follow the hectic holidays mean they take a big toll. We always search for that little edge, and like pro athletes, I know some of us turn to performance boosters that allow us to achieve superhuman feats.
I thought it would be interesting to hear what everybody was using to push through the hard days. I'll start the confessing:
- Coffee - I know a lot of guys avoid it, but a caffeine hit combined with some soothing warmth can make a north wind much more tolerable. I dont usually imbibe on deer hunts, but almost always start the day with a cup, and I'll take a thermos along on bad days
- 5 hour Energy - or a red bull, or a monster. I'm not picky. Last weekends hunt had me camping in my blazer during some pretty dismal conditions. Brewing coffee was not an appealing option, but I needed something. Enter the almighty 5-hour. Anytime I need a perk but can't Do the Brew, I'll reach for one of these.
- Whiskey - uppers and downers for this old boy. I have never been much of a drinker, and since I started my weight-loss journey I drink less than ever. But a shot of whiskey in the evening (or a beer or two) can cure the pregame jitters, and make a cold sleeping bag a bit more bearable. My favorite camping nightcap is a mug of el-cheapo, Great Value apple cider warmed up and accompanied by a splash of Wild Turkey. Fast, cheap, and easy.
- Sinus meds - I've always struggled with sinus and respiratory issues. Cold weather and campfire smoke exacerbates this issue. I run on Zyrtec and Dayquil for a lot of rut weekends.
- Acetaminophen - about the only time I take pain relievers is while hunting. I dont care how tough you are, a week in the tree will make something on you hurt.
- Emergen-C - I dont know if it actually works, or if it's a placebo. But I go through a pack or two of this stuff each year. I like to think it makes me less likely to catch my death of cold.
- Ensure - Real food? Ain't nobody got time for that! When the hunt is on, a chuggable meal in the backpack makes things easier.
Please note that this is very much a for-fun thread. I do not advocate anybody snorting coke to stay awake in the deer stand. You maniacs stay safe!
lol
