A coyote carried something in its mouth as it trotted past a trail camera that I had just put new batteries in. My best guess is that I am one Snowshoe Hare or one duck down. I am not a fan of having coyotes this close to my house, but I also know that it is that time of the year, where coyotes are traveling more than normal.

As much as the coyote does not excite me, the idea that spring is here does. There is something about exploring the woods when everything is still in shades of brown that makes me happy. Everyone should get outside, walk your property, assess any winter storm damage and update all of those land management plans.

On those sunny spring days, the sun feels warm but not hot. Grasses and buds have not started growing yet and it is too early for black fly season. However, in my mind, unless there is a solid four to six inches of snow on the ground, it is always tick season. As my go-to precaution, I spray down two pairs of my camo hunting pants so that they can dry and be ready for my adventures in the woods. I don’t take my chances with ticks.

On a good walk through the woods, your senses can come alive.

I had trees cut on my property this winter and the fragrant smell of softwoods, sawdust and fresh dirt hold an element of earthiness that we all know so well. The ground and woods are waking up and thawing after a frozen winter. Unlike the fall when the air can have an edge of crispness, in the spring there is a hint of warmth that can give us a false hope for warmer days. We love it and hate it at the same time.

The streams and waterways demonstrate just how powerful they can be. The snowmelt and spring rains cause them to rage against the banks and rocks in their path. The rhythmic gurgling can be hypnotizing and relaxing. A good pair of gum-rubbers is a necessity, and I never shy away from walking through a puddle or shallow stream crossing.

Pussywillows bloom and I always have a false hope that I will find a deer shed while I follow the well-worn trails through the woods to see where the deer are traveling. I have tricked myself into believing that there must be a good spot just beyond my eye sight. To date, the only one I have found was a small, crotch-horn. Maybe something else is getting to the antlers before I can. I bet it’s that coyote.

Erin Merrill, an award-winning writer based in central Maine, writes “Hunt & Harvest” monthly. She welcomes emails at: Erin@andastrongcupofcoffee.com.