by Christy L. Bonstell
Don't want to shoot? Try these alternative hunts
If Saturday's start of deer hunting season doesn't offer you
a sense of euphoria, why not try a different form of hunting?
Maybe when you hear words like "bucks" or "doe,"
it doesn't mean piling in the car to head up I-75 to the northern
woods. Instead, "bucks" means "shopping"
as you track down bargains and treasures at your favorite
store. Or, maybe to you "stag" means being single —
so why not give man hunting a try.
Beverly A. Siersma, 56, of Farmington Hills has found yet
another kind of hunt that excites her. Her heart races as
she gets closer to capturing her elusive prey. She steadies
her hands, aims, and before long she's got what she came for.
No, it's not a big buck; Siersma is hunting a different prize
— a cache. She's one of hundreds of Michigan residents
who go "geocaching," an activity using a portable
GPS receiver to locate a container or "cache" holding
a logbook and small trinket. "There's kind of a rush,"
she says. "Some of them are easy to find. There are others
that can be as small as your finger. Some people are ingenious
how they hide things. Some of them are pretty sneaky."
Whatever you're into, here are tips for some alternative
hunts.
Treasure hunting
Hunting for the perfect knick-knack, antique, gift or collectible?
Use these tips from John and Leslie Victor, owners of the
Web site
www.mi-antiques.com.
- Don't judge a store by its size. Every store, no matter
how tiny, holds the possibility of carrying your treasured
item.
- Don't judge a store by its look. Barn, shed or mall, all
stores are filled with unique items.
- If you're after a particular item, just ask the employees.
Oftentimes they'll be able to point you the right direction
if they don't have it.
- If you don't want to go solo, make sure your partner is
someone who loves the hunt as much as you.
- A little planning will help make your treasure hunt a
success. Knowing what stores you want to visit, their hours
and how to get there will save you time and gas.
Job hunting
In this economy, your toughest hunt may be for the perfect
job. Follow these tips from Javay J. Johnson, externship and
placement coordinator of the Detroit Business Institute in
Southfield.
- Network among friends and family. Keep several copies
of updated credential packages with you always — you
never know when you could meet a prospective employer.
- Cold-call businesses you are interested in to inquire
about possible open positions. Not all companies post positions
online or in the paper.
- Register with multiple staffing agencies. The agency
does the work so you don't have to.
- Utilize free job search resources and workshops held
by public libraries, Michigan Works Satellite centers and
Career Services departments of schools that you have attended.
- Use the Web to your advantage. Free posting sites, like
Craigslist .org, are great places to post your resume and
find job listings.
House hunting
Looking for the perfect new abode? Take advantage of the low
home prices and these tips from Chris Knight, a Realtor in
Plymouth.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking
for a home. Know exactly what your financial options are.
- Choose a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about
the area in which you would like to purchase.
- Prepare a list of amenities you would like to have in
your new home. Rank them in order of importance.
- Keep your focus on homes only in your price range —
drifting to homes in a higher price range will only disappoint
you. Take notes on each home you visit.
- Make a list of homes you like and schedule a second viewing
once you've narrowed your options.
Man hunting
You're on the prowl for a different kind of beast — one
with opposable thumbs and a sense of romance. Here are some
tips from Liz H. Kelly, dating coach and author of "Smart
Man Hunting."
- The more men you meet, the better your love odds. So
get out there through dating groups and social activities.
- For the best results, go on your dates with a "no
fear" attitude. Walk into the room like you own it.
- Avoid trying to close a deal immediately with a date.
It's not a race.
- Take time to write a short and specific Internet dating
profile to attract a guy that's really for you.
- Invest in a fashion makeover — after all, you get
one shot to make a great first impression. Bright colors
are usually best for man hunting; red especially attracts
men, so leave the fluorescent orange and camouflage at home.
Cache hunting
Looking for something that'll still get you out in the woods
(just without the guns and not showering for days at a time)?
A good place to start for learning how and where to use your
GPS device is www.geocaching.com. Try the pastime with these
tips from Beverly Siersma.
- Pack a bag containing supplies for hiking. A cell phone,
water and snack are good options.
- If you're going out on your own, let a friend know where
you're headed and when you expect to return.
- When getting close to the ground zone, listen to your
"geosense." Ask yourself where you would hide
something in that area.
- Wear appropriate clothes for where you'll be hiking or
walking. Boots, a hat and sunscreen are great ideas.
- When you find your cache, leave something of equal or
greater value for the next geocacher.
Christy L. Bonstell is a freelance writer.
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