When you have a child everyone tells you how amazing their first words and steps will be. Despite my attempts to stop them, mine learned to walk and talk and haven’t stopped yapping or getting into everything since. What no one tells you about is the excitement of their first deer. This year two first time girl hunters in my house were fortunate enough to take their first deer (both with one shot) and that excitement tops any other first as far as I am concerned. I couldn’t be more proud. I also said that they are worth more now since they are expert hunters, however no one is buying. And considering one of them has a mouth just like her mama- I wish the best of luck to the man that decides he wants that one.

Deer rifle season is now over but we were fortunate to see lots of deer and spend time with family and friends. I even called in a deer and a wolf one night- muffled doe bleat for the win again! By some miracle I was invited back for black powder season next week. I have it in writing I was only invited back because of how badly behaved I am and I am almost completely convinced I only get to go because I bring cookies and provide the entertainment. If that doesn't work there are still a few weeks left in bow season too so there is still hope to get a buck!

Right in the middle of deer season, ignoring my yearly complaint that it is in DEER SEASON and we own outdoors stores, one of our suppliers puts on a show where only retailers can shop. We get to meet up with other dealers and have some fun. We view new products and talk to the vendors of the largest brands we sell. They are a long, stressful couple of days but we are well rewarded with amazing food and an open bar at dinner when special sales are offered. This is strategically designed to get us to spend more, and it definitely works. The orders are coming in now and there are sure a lot of surprises no one clearly remembers ordering.

It is impossible to ignore it is almost Christmas, when there are this many kids it is simply an expensive logistical nightmare that also falls in plow season (imagine adding up to 10 hours of plowing spread through an already insane Christmas day and night and you can get an idea of how not fun it can be). At Oley's we just finished another renovation and now have double the firearms on the floor and more accessories and ammo than ever. And we can actually find most of them as they are now out on display instead of packed in boxes. We have gifts for everyone no matter your budget and even gift cards for those who are the hardest to buy for. We are now also taking advanced bids on a future Christmas gift of a blue-eyed blond, 5' squat hunter with 100% shooting accuracy. You better have deep pockets because that one will be an expensive buy, the monthly expenses will eat you alive and trust me there will be no returns-final sale! Whatever you are getting for Christmas, from my home and business to yours, I hope this Christmas is a wonderful one and that next year is full of happiness. Enjoy your children if you have them and if you would like to borrow one of mine-let me know-I'll happily drop them off, good behavior not guaranteed.