John K. Flores: Louisiana fall is outdoor paradise

By the time the first week of November arrived, I realized that we had reached fall’s halfway point. Unlike regions just to our north, the hardwood and cypress trees are just now taking on those yellow and rusty red hues this time of year is noted for.
It’s also the time of year when “everything,” and I mean everything, is open for hunters. What’s more, the weather is truly hard to beat around these parts. Why, just this past week I spent three out of four days in the woods and marsh hunting squirrels, photographing birds and hunting deer
It felt good to shiver a little bit and see my breath for the first time since the big snowstorm back in late January as I waited for sunrise to quench the chill. When you see your breath, there is moisture in the air and the dampness causes the earthy smells in the woods and marsh to come alive.
I wish I could bottle these smells and keep them in the refrigerator. When those hot dog days of summer roll around I’d uncap those bottles and like smelling salts shove it up my nose and take an exhilarating whiff.
Have you ever noticed how fashionable camouflage clothing is at this time of year? November is synonymous with camouflage. I have long and short sleeve shirts alike printed in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, American Frog Skin Jungle Camo, Realtree Greenery, and Realtree MAX-7
Each year I don’t think a fall goes by when Mrs. Flores asks me on one or more occasion, “Is that what you’re wearing to church?” I’m of the opinion it’s clean and not tattered, why not?
“Do you think it looks better with a dress coat?” is my inquisitive reply as I look at my profile in the mirror.
I really think the girls are coming around with these mid-fall fashions. Did you know there is Muddy Girl pink and purple camouflage pattern? Man! The girls are taking the camo thing to a whole new level with hoodies, jackets and joggers.
This weekend (Nov. 8-9), the 2025-2026 West Zone duck season begins with youth-only hunt. Next weekend (Nov. 15) the West Zone 1st split opens for all duck and goose hunters.
Duck hunters are pragmatics to the core. Duck numbers have plunged into the abyss, and it doesn’t look like the Feds will change policy or admit “Adaptive Harvest Management” is no longer working. Despite the facts, duck hunters will continue to buy licenses and duck stamps and take to the marshes, all while hoping for a miracle.
I understand this kind of hope. Back in the late '80s, when duck limits were three ducks per day and the season 30 days long, I still went duck hunting. It took several years for duck numbers to rebound and was something we learned to live with.
When the weather has morning lows in the 40s and daytime highs in the 60s, it’s gumbo weather, and my favorite is made with duck and andouille sausage. I can eat this particular gumbo right up to Thanksgiving and in between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I hope that this fall I’ll be able to scratch enough birds to make at least a thin gumbo. That being said, I’m thinking I might could get Mrs. Flores to go heavy on the sausage.
Have you noticed that Louisiana doesn’t really have a fall drink? Being born and raised in Michigan, as a kid, fall always meant hot apple cider and fried cakes — think donuts here. Over the years, I’ve noticed Rouses, Cypress Point and Walmart every fall always seem to have a few gallons of cider available.
I’m pretty sure this is because of me. After all, groceries stores stock things based on sales. Well, let me tell you on Mrs. Flores’s weekly grocery list is a gallon of apple cider. What’s more, no matter what direction along U.S. 90 I travel there is a donut shop in the Tri-City area within minutes of my house. There’s no place like home. Thank you, local grocers, for thinking of me.
There’s nothing like November in the Deep South. We love our hunting and fishing We love our camo fashion statements. We love standing around the fire pits at the camp rehashing the day’s hunt in the woods and marsh. We love the food, especially gumbo. And you know what? We’re only halfway through fall.
John Flores is the Morgan City Review’s outdoor writer. He can be contacted at gowiththeflo@cox.net.