Friday, November 13, 2009

Hunters will be out bright and early tomorrow morning throughout the state of Kansas. Some say their excitement is comparable to a long-awaited vacation.

"We've been counting off the days and getting ready for it," says Erik Stewart of Fort Riley. "You just know you're going to come out for two or three days, hang out with some friends, and have a good time."

Stewart and Ronnie Ryker are both in Southwest Kansas for opening weekend of pheasant season. They agree there's no feeling like it.

"You're able to go out in the field and just be out there and not be confined by anything," adds Ryker.

They're both guests of Garden City resident, Tim Telinde, who says there's something special about those first days of hunting, "Being able to have close friends around you to enjoy this with -- you know, this is something we'll all talk about when we're all old."

Telinde runs a business that centers around pheasant hunting. He says this season is not just good for him, but for the entire region.

"Economically, just the impact of opening weekend has been pretty big. There's been people who will plan these months in advance. I have return clients who came back six years in a row. They'll book it before they leave. These days, the hunting industry is doing a fine job."

That, of course, helps benefit local establishments such as restaurants and hotels. For example, Telinde says he has other guests staying in Garden City at the Comfort Inn.

He adds all that's left is to wait for sunrise on Saturday morning, "Then it's off into the field we go, and the fun begins."