by Tom Fulgham

When the early morning sun burns white-hot, it's hard to imagine there will ever be an end to summer. In the thick of it, the humid days drone on as relentlessly as the cicadas, but somewhere beyond the northern horizon lies the promise of a new season. A new autumn. A first cold front. Another opening day.

Though we can't see it coming for the summer haze, another duck season is fast approaching. There's much to be decided, and much work to be done. Blinds, decoys, calls, boats, dogs-all must be in top form by opening morning. It's no easy task, but nothing worthwhile ever is. In that spirit, here are a few suggestions, or more likely reminders, to help with all the planning and preparations. Surely, you have some preseason rituals of your own to add to our list as well.

Enjoy the work, or at least go at it with joyful determination. You'll know it was worth every bit of sweat and worry when that first flock banks to your call, and the season begins.