Spring has sprung, turkey season is over, and now we are into summer. You know; the season that has no season, no hunting season that is. Sure, many outdoorsmen and women choose to spend these off months on the river or lake fishing, but as for me, that just doesn't cut it. I want to be out in the woods with my bow, in a blind with my Labrador, or anywhere that requires a hunting license. Each year the end of spring turkey season signals this lull in my hunting activities. The summertime blues: What is a girl to do with all of this time? I need something to do that involves my bow, shotgun and my dog.

This year, I didn't have to search for long. I found enough outdoor activities to feed my hunger until October. First, the bow: Nothing can replace sitting in the deer stand during archery season, but 3D shooting is the closest I can find. No matter what your skill level, there is a 3D division available. Where else can you walk around in the woods, shoot at fake animals and have a good time with your family? I have found that there is a shoot within an hour or so of my home almost every weekend of summer. This gives me something fun to do with my bow in the woods while also greatly improving my distance judging, shot placement and all-around skill as an archer.

Now for the shotgun: Skeet and trap shooting are fun and ranges can be found all over the place. I like to use them to practice my shot and have friendly competitions with my friends. But in order to do this, I have to leave my poor Labrador at home. So this summer, we searched all of the upland game preserves and found a few that still have birds left. We can go out early in the morning or in the evenings, have a few birds planted, and get in a short hunt. This is my favorite thing to do in the early and late summer. My dog loves it, and I get some wing shooting in. In the hot part of the summer when it's too hot to bird hunt, we will spend "dummy time" at the lake or river. I purchased a dummy launcher for my dog to help keep him sharp and in shape during the summer.

Another thing I plan to do to keep in the woods this summer is to plant food plots. This not only gives me time outdoors but is preparation for the hunting season. Food plots, salt and mineral licks, and even corn piles can help move a deer and turkey population to your area. After a few food plots have been planted, I can spend mornings and evenings watching what is coming to eat.

When I don't have time to do the watching myself, I put out a game camera. These little toys seem expensive, but they are worth every penny. It doesn't matter which one you buy; they all work about the same. It is so exciting to get your pictures back. Right now is a great time to start your cameras. The bucks are starting to re-grow their antlers, and you can get the whole growth process on film if you place the camera right. You can also catch all of the newborn fawns and freshly hatched poults.

By the end of the summer, I will be ready to hunt. Not only ready because I have spent a whole summer without hunting (except for the wing shooting), but ready because I have spent the whole summer preparing. I will have practiced my shot, worked my dog and scouted. I will know where the deer are going and when. Summertime doesn't have to involve the blues; if you spend your time right, you will not only enjoy yourself, but you will have better success in the fall.

If you want more information on archery shoots in your area, go to www.asaarchery.com. They will have a state-by-state list of shoots and numbers to call to find shoots in your area.