EATON TOWNSHIP -- Hunters all over our area are getting ready to head into the woods for the start of rifle deer season on Monday.
Not only is taking part in the opener of deer season a tradition for many families, so is shopping, eating, and socializing the day before. In Wyoming County, they know how to make the most of the occasion.
The ideal orange hat or a cozy flannel shirt: a day before they head into the woods for rifle deer season, hunters are setting their sights on the perfect gear.
Mark Morris of Landenberg, Pennsylvania was purchasing some more rifle shells.
"Have a little extra just in case, you never know," Morris said.
At Brady and Cavany Ace Hardware near Tunkhannock, the chill in the air is good for business. Managers say this year the big sellers are things that keep you warm because last year, it wasn't very cold.
"(We're shopping for) gloves to keep our hands warm. We already got pretty much everything else," said John Harris of Lake Winola.
Another hunting tradition in Wyoming County is the steak bake at the American Legion near Laceyville.
"It's delicious. We hit it every year. You can't beat it," laughed Ray Snyder of Bucks County.
For a quarter of a century, people have been coming here on the Sunday before the season starts to eat some meat and win some more.
"Whether we get the deer or not, we got the beef!" Snyder said.
While some hunters we met see deer hunting as a time for male bonding, Bob Clark of Jenningsville is looking forward to a day with his girls.
"Very proud of them," Clark said.
He admitted sometimes they are better hunters than he is. His oldest daughter says while bagging a deer is nice, the real prize is a day with family.
"I go out with him first thing in the morning. We could care less if we see a deer, just talking, sharing stories," said Meghan Clark.
We also met a number of ladies who said they enjoy showing up the guys when they hunt.