It is nearing the end of the hunting season. It is at this time of year that I tend to get a little depressed.

Many people say it is because of the holidays, but I have come to realize, at least for me, it is because I will be cleaning up and storing the equipment that I love so much.

I have to be honest; I am also disappointed in the reader response to this column. When I was asked to write a weekly column about the outdoors, I thought it would be fun to share our stories and learn from each other. The reality is that this column has been very much one way, much more than I thought it would be.

I have had a few responses, but I get the impression that, overall, the readers don’t want to share and that is disappointing to me.

As I said, this time of year I tend to get a little depressed.

The thing that usually pulls me out of it is the thought of fishing season coming around very soon. Now that thought gets my heart going again. Time to pull out the rods, do an inventory, begin to stock up on supplies, make repairs to the boats, make sure I’m all legal, start making some plans, think about any adjustments or new opportunities, and picture that perfect spot in my mind.

You know, I could be quite content sitting on the edge of a lake with my line in the water, and I’m not sure if having a baited hook would make any kind of a difference. As long as I could go home with dinner, I’d be very content. Strange isn’t it? Someone could be content sitting on the edge of a lake with no chance of catching anything, just taking in the beauty of nature, the sounds around and the peace within.

Here’s a news flash: The majority of outdoor people are peaceful people. We don’t want to step on your toes, and we would appreciate it if you didn’t step on ours. We don’t like to fight. In most cases, if you give us a way out, we’ll take it. Just don’t push us too far.

I’m not going to say that most of us are religious people, but I think it is correct in saying that most of us are spiritual people. We look inside as well as outside. We see the world and try to figure out how we fit into it.

How about sending me one line saying what you think about while spending time in the outdoors? I’d like to run a list of thoughts in next week’s column. I’m not asking for your name or any other information, just “What do you think about while spending time in the outdoors?” My e-mail address is outdoors@tidewaternews.com, or you can post it under this story on The Tidewater News website at www.thetidewaternews.com.

Until next week, have a wonderful Christmas with your family and do stay safe.