While many people in the Midwest look forward to hunting season because of the opportunity it provides them to take down a trophy buck and acquire some tasty venison, I enjoy the time for a different reason. Every year in November, I take my two sons out to our hunting camp for a weekend of bonding. We might spend an hour or two in the deer blind, but for the most part we’re out fishing, sitting inside playing cards or otherwise enjoying nature.

Last year I bought them a kids electric ATV, and now it’s all they talk about when the weather turns cold. They aren’t able to get much use out of the vehicle at home in the city, so our trips to camp become that much more special. I’m even considering buying a full-size ATV of my own. Perhaps it’s better to put that money toward the boys’ college education, though.