A Walk Through the Woods (Early Spring with the Kids)
After a long winter and a late spring, it felt good to get back out to the property.
This time, it wasn’t about hunting or testing anything. Just a simple walk through the woods with my two boys—nine and four years old.
What I Packed
- CZ 457
- 50 rounds of .22 WMR
- Bear spray
It’s April, which means the black bears are moving again. A .22 WMR could do the job with a well-placed shot, but bear spray is the better option. With the kids along, it's it’s one of those things where you don’t take chances.
Heading Out
We started northeast down the trail with a west wind at our back.
That’s something I always keep in mind when carrying bear spray—wind direction matters. You don’t want it coming back at you if you ever need to use it.
I led the way, with the kids close behind.
The Plan (Or Lack of One)
There wasn’t much of a plan beyond checking out the property for the first time this spring.
It’s a known doe bedding area, but there was zero chance of seeing any deer with the way the kids along.
Sticks in hand, hitting every tree they passed.
Loud.
But honestly, that’s not a bad thing this time of year.
Some noise is good to keep the black bears away—and the does will be back.
Into the Low Ground
The first stretch—about 250 yards—runs through low poplar ground.
As expected for spring, there was standing water along the trail.
After that, we got up onto higher ground—a pine-covered sand ridge that covers the the east half of the property. One of my tree stands sits here, and the trail bends south.
Working South
From there, it’s about 450 yards to the south edge. The trail follows a pine-poplar transition.
We checked another stand along the way, then came across a garter snake stretched out on the trail.
My oldest thought it was the coolest thing he’d seen all day and tried to pet it.
The snake wasn’t a fan—gave a quick hiss—but it didn’t seem to bother him much.
After a bit of convincing, we kept moving.
A Bit of Bear Sign
Not long after, we found one of my trail cams torn off the tree.
This is common bear activity. At least this time it didn’t break the lens like a previous trail cam.
I set it at the base of the tree for now—something to deal with another day—and kept going.
South Edge Check
At the south end of the property, we pushed another 100 yards east to check one more stand and camera.
Everything there was in good shape.
Heading Back
We looped back the same way we came.
Found the same snake again—and a second one nearby.
No grouse, no squirrels, no rabbits.
Just a quiet walk through the woods.
The Day
In total, we covered about 1,600 yards.
Not much by hunting standards, but enough to get the kids moving.
Final Thoughts
Days like this aren’t about what you see or what you harvest.
They’re about:
- getting back out after winter
- walking the property
- bringing the kids along
The shooting, the hunting, the setups—that all has its place.
But this is just as important.