Not to many years ago I'd be foaming at the mouth by now in anticipation of NJ's opener, my clothes would have been washed, scouting almost everyday, driving up the parkway to Butts and Bows just to shoot a quick round and to be around other guys that were gearing up to go. It was the same feeling as a kid waiting for Christmas, there was just something magicle in the air. Those were very special times. I'm sure there's plenty of young guys in the early stages of there hunting careers feeling that way right now, but after 40 years of chasing the big one and exhausting myself in search of him in NJ & PA I just can't get excited about chasing the long shot in NJ anymore... I rather hunt and spend my time in areas that actually have a huntable populations of big deer to pursue than to waste my time in NJ where very few exist. I seen 11 different bucks within a half mile of my house tonight that in the past would of had me excited for opening day. One of them was pushing mid 120"s pretty good deer for NJ. I just don't want him! So unless a bigger one shows up soon Im waiting for Oct 1st and Illinois.