LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- People sometimes believe the hunting season starts with the opening day of deer season; however, true hunters realize it starts well before.
As the fog lifts off the ground and the sun rises over the trees, Master Sgt. Brian Holliman, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron support section chief, begins scouting potential hunting areas well before the start of each season. Archery hunting season in Arkansas begins September 26.
“Looking for scrapes, tracks and deer antlers is something I’ve enjoyed doing since I was very young,” Holliman said.
Initially, trying to figure out where to setup a deer blind, a hidden spot from which to hunt, can seem mind-boggling. There are many factors to take into account and failure to address one minor detail can cost a hunter a trophy deer, Holliman explained.
"If you are just starting to deer hunt I would suggest trying to tag along with an experienced hunter," Holliman said. "It's extremely beneficial to have a guide. You can learn very valuable tips in a day that took them a lifetime to learn."
It was after his last deployment he knew having an outlet to maintain one’s resiliency was vital to keeping a healthy work-life balance.
“I feel recharged and rejuvenated after a day of sitting in my blind,” Holliman said. “Hunting really helps keep me centered.”
Holliman’s Air Force career began 21 years ago. He’s been on multiple deployments to Southwest Asia where long, grueling hours and swing shifts were the norm. Deer hunting became his number one stress reliever to help keep him ready and resilient.
“It’s not always about getting a deer,” Holliman said, who began hunting at age 12. “Hunting is truly an art, a spiritual experience in and of itself. It’s amazing seeing how much wildlife is active before most people even have their first cup of coffee.”
Holliman takes Airmen out hunting whenever the opportunity presents itself because he understands the importance of the therapeutic effects of the outdoors.
"It's awesome getting out, bonding with my co-workers and forgetting about life’s woes for a bit," Holliman said. "Hunting is my escape and it doesn’t hurt to bring home your own food when you actually harvest a deer."