Never put off until tomorrow…unless

Published 4:05 pm Thursday, February 12, 2026

There’s an old saying, often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, that goes something like this, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”  It seems it’s sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson as well.

Charles Dickens also had wise words about procrastination, proclaiming it to be “the thief of time.”

I tend to lean away from rather than into any of the aforementioned philosophies, aligning myself instead with the character of Rubeus Hagrid from the Harry Potter series in my belief that they’re all “codswallop.”

No, instead I much prefer Mark Twain’s assessment of the subject.  “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow,” Twain once quipped, and I think he’s exactly right, especially if said tomorrow holds the possibility of either hunting or fly fishing.

With that established, I need to explain my rationale and how to best implement it to a select group of “newbies” out there—newlyweds who hunt and fish.  If these two realities overlap for you, then pay close attention as this information could save both your hunting season and your marriage.

Please understand that while I do not claim to be an expert in either of these matters (marriage or hunting), I do have a few years of experience under my belt.  This year I will turn 56 and I’ve been hunting for at least 55 of those.

How can I make that claim?  Well, I know that one of my first memories as a toddler was riding on my dad’s shoulders at night, limbs slapping me in the face, as he made his way to a treed coonhound.  Ok, maybe I was two or at the oldest three, but that still gives me well over fifty years in the woods.

I’ve also been successfully and happily married for over 30 years, 32 this year if my math is correct.  How do I define successful?  First, I’ve never received a cast iron skillet to the noggin.  I’ve also never been kicked out of the house (sleeping on the couch doesn’t count in this assessment, if you’re wondering).

As for happily, G still smiles when she sees me, which I take as sign number one.  She still wants to do things with me like go on dates, take vacations, eat meals, and even take me to the various and sundry “procedures” and surgeries that come as a bonus for making it to your mid-fifties after 30-plus years of successful marriage.

Ahh, the romantic visions that come at just the thought of words like colonoscopy or cholecystectomy.  Seriously, you don’t make it this far in life (especially married life) as a turkey hunting and trout fishing addict without a good plan, and, may I add, the perfect spouse.  The word soulmate comes to mind, as do the words princess, goddess, and perfection.

It should be clear to all of you at this point that deer season has just ended and, more importantly, that turkey season starts in one month, and turkey season is a long season, especially when the weeds and grass start growing and the flower beds need mulching.

Hopefully, you’re beginning to see the portrait that I’m painting here.  If not, I’m not sure that I alone can help you.  You’re probably going to need a good jeweler as well as a good travel agent in your back pocket, both of which are good contacts for the turkey hunter or fly fisherman (golf addicts, this applies to you as well).

With all of that said, here’s a pro tip.  Use the in between months to get it all done.  When February rolls around, break out the chainsaw and leaf blower and knock out all of those “honey-dos” that needed doing in December when the rut was in full force and you needed to be in the woods.

For most hunters, February is a “catch-up” month.  May tends to be as well, especially if you don’t have any out of state turkey hunts planned.  For me, February is also G’s birthday month and Valentine’s Day, both of which are critically important when it comes to your spouse’s happiness and, in turn, yours, especially as it relates to the upcoming spring turkey season.

On that note, as it pertains to birthdays, anniversaries, and important holidays like Valentine’s Day–newlyweds pay close attention–here’s a key learning.  For the vast majority of couples just starting out after marriage, there isn’t always a lot of money for extras.

At some point during those “salad days” of early married life, an important occasion (i.e. your wife’s birthday) will arrive well between paychecks at which point she will look you directly in the eyes and say, “Don’t get me anything for my birthday, honey.  We don’t have any money.”

Even with the best intentions and the most loving (and believable) look from her perfect eyes, she doesn’t mean this.  Do not heed these words.  I don’t care if you must pawn your favorite shotgun, get her something.  Your future success in the turkey woods depends upon it.  Furthermore, you will never be allowed to forget it, no matter how loving and forgiving she is.

I still remember G searching throughout the house for her gift that year, shocked and appalled I might add.  It was a hard lesson learned, but also one that I’ve never forgotten.

So, while you’re out there sawing firewood and stacking the burn pile this month or adding fresh pine straw to the landscaping around the house, be sure to give some thought to any upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.

Next month when you’re walking out of the woods with a longbeard over your shoulder, giving thanks to the turkey gods for sending him your way, feel free to utter a silent thanks to me as well.  I’ve been in your newlywed shoes before, and I feel it’s the least that I can do to pay it forward.

Until next time, here’s to marriages that stand the test of time, here’s to making the most of the “catch-up” months between seasons, whatever those seasons are for you, and here’s to seeing you out there in our great outdoors.  And one more thing, Happy Birthday, G!