Outdoors
Sponsored by

What new thing did you get into in 2024?

2,339 Views | 43 Replies | Last: 33 min ago by Apache
BenderRodriguez
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:26p, 12/3/24
AG
It being December, im starting to think about how this year went and what I want out of next year.

So whats a new hobby/skill/interest you tried for the first time this year that really engaged you?

Since its the OB I'm sure many will be outdoors related, but if yours isnt thats cool too.

So if you were a lifetime rifle hunter and you used a bow for the first time this year, or if you got really into watching British Baking Show while sick and now you make a really excellent tea biscuit….share what you got into, if you're going to keep it up next year or try something new, etc.

And if it was a rough year and you didnt do anything but make it to the end of the year beat down and battered…man, been there. Heres to next year, glad you're still kicking and with us.
Reply Quote
5
SoulSlaveAG2005
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:31p, 12/3/24
AG
Cool topic. I really dived into woodworking and learning a hobby. I've always enjoyed building, but this year I invested in more tools and just started building things.

I'm pretty happy with where I'm at, and looking forward to new challenges. Lots of great advise from the pros (agrams, drummer,Ben) on here helped inspire and teach.

Just finished my first slab to final product. Cedar slab I picked up and turned into a gift box for wine or bourbon.


Reply Quote
23
ttha_aggie_09
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:37p, 12/3/24
AG
Cutting and fletching my own carbon arrows. I had a buddy do this for me last season but finally got the tools to do it on my own this year. Aside from it being somewhat therapeutic, it helps me with my confidence in each arrow too.

Bunch of things I want to learn how to do but I just don't make the time with all things going on in life with work and family. I need to change that…
Reply Quote
6
texag06ish
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:48p, 12/3/24
AG
Getting healthy. Specifically, 5K's, weightlifting and macros. I lost 140lbs!

One of my major health and fitness goals in 2024 was to run a 5K in 25:20 or less because I knew that would make me competitive in an actual 5K race. I have been running a few times a week and have reached this goal 2-3 times over the past couple of months.

On Thanksgiving, with my entire family running in support, I ran an actual race.

I wound up beating my previous personal best by 1 min and 8 sec for a chipped 5k time of 23:34 (a 7:35
mile/minute pace).

Overall I finished 367 out of 5917 (top 6%). I was 30th out of Males 40-44. (Top 12%) and 302nd out of all males (Top 11%).
Reply Quote
56
2 edits
AggieT
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:05p, 12/3/24
AG
Great topic!

I joined a private shooting club. I've been a gun nut for 25+ years, and should have done this long ago. So awesome. To top it off, my son has been shooting with me since he was 5, but has never taken to it. Now he's hooked.

Next year: I've never been a trap/skeet shooter, but am now shopping for shotguns to take advantage of these facilities. I also plan to participate in some of their other shooting competitions.
Reply Quote
8
87Flyfisher
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:11p, 12/3/24
AG
Built a raised bed/container garden and grew a lot of food in a small area. It is still going strong with Collards, winter Asian Greens and Swiss Chard. Pic from before it was finished.
.
Reply Quote
13
2 edits
Bigballin
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:20p, 12/3/24
AG
Finally taking pistol marksmanship and carry seriously after owning pistols for over a decade
- Took a couple courses
- Shot multiple USPSA and Steel Challenge matches
- Concealed carry on a more regular basis. Bought an enigma and worked through getting it setup for me.
Reply Quote
7
strohag
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:32p, 12/3/24
AG
I worked too much and hard this year. I'm going to plan on cutting back and focus more on actually enjoying life in 2025. Making good money is great but I'm not getting enough time to actually enjoy it. Need to focus on unplugging more and taking time off. I need to turn my "give a damn" down some concerning work. More family time and focusing more on enjoying 2025.
Reply Quote
7
AgResearch
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:41p, 12/3/24
AG
Got back into farming. Lost my dad as a young boy to a farming accident, put that boy dream on hold, and then went to college in Ag. Changed jobs a couple years ago, moved home, and built new house on my family homestead last year. Back to farming on the side and rebuilding the legacy that nearly ended with my dad's death.
Reply Quote
18
mhnatt
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to AgResearch • 10:55p, 12/3/24
Very similar story. My dad passed away last year and a couple weeks ago I began farming nearly 40 years after leaving the family farm/ranch. Loving every minute of it and wondering what my dad would think about me going orange (he was a JD dealer and only ran JD). I bought a new setup last month:

Reply Quote
18
Doctor51
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:06p, 12/3/24
AG
Went down the carnivore diet and food as medicine rabbit hole. I've tried everything under the sun to lose weight. In July I had another blood clot episode and when I hit the scales I was at my largest ever. Two traveling doctors in the er with military backgrounds really got after my ass for being stupid with my health. Closing in on 60 pounds lost. My goal is to lose 100.
Reply Quote
25
Wodanaz
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:10p, 12/3/24
AG
HRC & AKC retriever hunt tests.
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
redaszag99
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to mhnatt • 11:27p, 12/3/24
I have a BONER
Reply Quote
1
Bandit99
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
11:30p, 12/3/24
AG
Toprol!

Son is a freshman at Tarleton, so hope to get back to hunting regularly next year.
Reply Quote
1
SMM48
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:03a, 12/4/24
AG
Cycling. Wish I would have done it sooner.
Reply Quote
9
1 edit
SMM48
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to texag06ish • 12:04a, 12/4/24
AG
texag06ish said:
Getting healthy. Specifically, 5K's, weightlifting and macros. I lost 140lbs!

One of my major health and fitness goals in 2024 was to run a 5K in 25:20 or less because I knew that would make me competitive in an actual 5K race. I have been running a few times a week and have reached this goal 2-3 times over the past couple of months.

On Thanksgiving, with my entire family running in support, I ran an actual race.

I wound up beating my previous personal best by 1 min and 8 sec for a chipped 5k time of 23:34 (a 7:35
mile/minute pace).

Overall I finished 367 out of 5917 (top 6%). I was 30th out of Males 40-44. (Top 12%) and 302nd out of all males (Top 11%).


Outstanding. Congratulations
Reply Quote
13
bam02
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
3:41a, 12/4/24
AG
Jiu Jitsu
Reply Quote
8
FirefightAg
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:19a
AG
Really got back into whitetail deer hunting. It really got started last season after shooting a deer from the saddle with a bow on public. I started getting more deer gear in the off season, put in for out of state WT (did a bunch of e scouting) then hunted a ton from the bow opener through rifle.

I had set a plan of filling all 3 Texas buck tags in different counties. Unfortunately I lost a stud on public or I'd be 1 away with a couple more opportunities coming up.

I started a new position for work this year and the deer stand whether it's a tree or a box blind is therapeutic (much needed)


The one that started it


This year

Reply Quote
8
1 edit
MouthBQ98
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:36a
AG
Yamaha outboard.
Reply Quote
4
agsalaska
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:49a
AG
Teaching. My wife is a teacher and I have always been jealous of the satisfaction she gets from it. I have wanted to do it for about ten years. When my company got bought out ten years ago now I almost did it but with two small kids at the time I couldn't afford to do it. Now after a few more good years and complete burnout I am in.

What got me was the job market. I came in second on a great job about a year ago. Then earlier this year it happened again but they came back wanting me to move to Dallas. And I would still be on an airplane about every week.

I have been on more airplanes than 99.9% of this world.

I said to hell with all of that. I can do it now so I'm going to go do what I want.

It has been a fantastic decision. Teaching is more fun than I imagined. Great work life balance with all the days off too. I've never experienced anything like that. The kids are great. And for the most part, and like anything else, the outside perception of the good and bad in schools today is really nothing like the reality.

I'm 47 and will probably do it for ten years or so before moving either out to the farm or maybe back to Alaska. Unlike my last two careers where everything was about getting promoted and paid, now it's about enjoying what I do, mentoring high schoolers all day, and spending as much time as I can with my family. I have zero desire to be a principal or anything like that. So far it's been a great move.
The trouble with quotes on the internet is that you never know if they are genuine. -- Abraham Lincoln.



Reply Quote
13
ought1ag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
6:51a
AG
I lost 30# and also lost my old man. First hunting season without him and it hasnt been the smoothest.....from the several flat tires, busted radiator lines on the mule, loose scopes, shorted out feeder timer, etc he's got to be laughing at the show.

forgot to mention the fist fishing solo trip without him wasnt too great either.....left the hook box in the other boat and then proceeded to beach the damn thing cracking the transom. dont know how the motor survived. I guess historic low lake levels will do that. Thankfully I was just in the old 79 bass tracker converted river boat that is already being held together with JB weld and and a an ag teacher of 40 years handi work.
Reply Quote
9
Hoyt Ag
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:40a
AG
I wouldn't say I got into anything new, but I certainly concentrated more on fly fishing and reloading. The fishing has been unreal this year in my area and was a ton of fun. I didn't really get excited at all for elk or deer season, I just went through the motion to get meat in the freezer.

I recently got a treadmill to start training a little more, since I plan on a few hiking trips in 2025.

The only thing new I can think of is I started dating again after swearing I would never get married again. You get burned enough times, you want no part of it and just want your peace and not lose half your *****

I'm also a year sober from dipping after 20+ years.
Reply Quote
11
1 edit
Dirty-8-thirty Ag
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
7:50a
AG
Working out and trying to not eat trash food.

I gain weight like a prized show calf & decided it was time to do something about it. Went from 267 at my very heaviest down to 210 and have now added back about 15 lbs of muscle sitting around 225 now. Feel so much better after shedding the weight. Have really gotten in to lifting weights and enjoy it so much. I feel like something is wrong if I don't work out 4-5 days a week. I try and lift for 45 minutes and incline walk on the treadmill for a half hour at 13 incline/3.5 mph/30 minutes.

Also, acquired just about everything to start shooting long range at the end of this year. Still need a kestrel and I'll be set. But excited to start working on shooting more often and becoming a better shot at distance.
Reply Quote
6
JeremiahJohnson
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SMM48 • 8:04a
AG
SMM48 said:
Cycling. Wish I would have done it sooner.
I do not think many people know what kind of bike flex this is. This is the ultimate OB bike. Even better is the mileage you put up in your first year.
Reply Quote
2
EFE
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:06a
AG
Knife "making", really just buying blanks and putting them together. I've made one so far and have three more on the bench trying to finish up as Christmas gifts. Here's the first effort, and the scales from one of the other three that I'm in process on. Just buying stuff and gluing it together, but when I eventually get a forge and shop built at least I'll have the finishing part figured out.




Reply Quote
9
Rattler12
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:09a
Call me nuts but at 5 months shy of 75 I built a chainsaw mill and have about 8 big pecan logs and 5 ash juniper logs I'm going to mill. I see a native pecan eight place dinner table and chairs in the future .....if I last that long.


Reply Quote
17
2 edits
SMM48
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to JeremiahJohnson • 8:19a
AG
Haha. Thanks
Reply Quote
Tumble Weed
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:49a
Acquired an old Bonanza press and started reloading. Bought a bunch of used dies off of eBay.

I had no idea how much difference reloading your own ammo could make. Now I have relatives giving me brass and I can't wait to load them up! It is a strange obsession.
Reply Quote
6
schmellba99
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:06a
AG
Spent the last 18 months on the road so didnt get a chance to do much in that time frame.

I have, over the last few weeks, kind of gotten back into appreciating bolt action rifles after hunting with an AR for years. My 6.5g decided to have a hiccup (still havent figured it out, havent had the free time) so i dusted off the .243 and the .300 WSM and they have been going to the field with me.

Picking up a 6.5g bolt gun that I am surprising my daughter with on Friday. Lots of tweaks that need to be done to it, but it will be a nice classic looking bolt gun as her first deer rifle. Also rediscovered how much i enjoy reloading as i was loading up test rounds for this rifle.

Next year is going to be a different year. Turned in my notice to my boss yesterday because i will be taking a role in a new industry doing something I have never done before. Bigger role, fancy title, a little more money but most importantly I will be home every night. My girls are excited about that part, and I am about being there to watch them grow up.
Reply Quote
12
1 edit
javajaws
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:11a
AG
Well my wife decided she likes really kinky play time now. There's some really amazing handmade leather stuff out there if you know where to look. So after building a new gaming table earlier in the year I'm now going to build a 4-post bondage bed this month as well as build a better mattress (yes - diy mattress!). Oh the things we do for our women!
Reply Quote
6
CactusThomas
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:30a
AG
wtf
Reply Quote
18
agfan2013
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:32a
AG
Got back into making end-grain cutting boards. I had made a few during covid back in 2020 with the world shut down and gave some out as gifts (proud to say all of those are still going strong and havent broke yet, a surprise to me with my skill level). Made another 6 this year and have started to get into more complex designs like 3D patterns within the board.

Continued experimenting with sausage making and recipes. Too much boring jalapeno cheese or regular hot links out there. I've made links like chicken bacon ranch (ground up chicken with bacon and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with dry ranch powder stuffed in a natural pork casing) and more. Really have enjoyed playing around with different flavors/mixes and coming up with some crazy concoctions.
Reply Quote
5
Gone Camping
User Profile Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:42a
AG
We bought a 1975 Airstream to renovate for retirement travels. Good thing I've got years until retirement cause this thing is gonna take a while. We've done a lot of the demo so far, probably one more round left before we get to frame work. Expecting to pull the shell and rebuild the frame. Just working on it as we have time and being VERY methodical about it so we get it right the first time.
Reply Quote
9
zooguy96
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to agsalaska • 9:43a
AG
agsalaska said:
Teaching. My wife is a teacher and I have always been jealous of the satisfaction she gets from it. I have wanted to do it for about ten years. When my company got bought out ten years ago now I almost did it but with two small kids at the time I couldn't afford to do it. Now after a few more good years and complete burnout I am in.

What got me was the job market. I came in second on a great job about a year ago. Then earlier this year it happened again but they came back wanting me to move to Dallas. And I would still be on an airplane about every week.

I have been on more airplanes than 99.9% of this world.

I said to hell with all of that. I can do it now so I'm going to go do what I want.

It has been a fantastic decision. Teaching is more fun than I imagined. Great work life balance with all the days off too. I've never experienced anything like that. The kids are great. And for the most part, and like anything else, the outside perception of the good and bad in schools today is really nothing like the reality.

I'm 47 and will probably do it for ten years or so before moving either out to the farm or maybe back to Alaska. Unlike my last two careers where everything was about getting promoted and paid, now it's about enjoying what I do, mentoring high schoolers all day, and spending as much time as I can with my family. I have zero desire to be a principal or anything like that. So far it's been a great move.


If you like HS, never move to MS. MS sucks. I taught for 10 years (didn't want to), and came to "tolerate" (kind of like) HS. Got recruited for a job at my wife's firm - should have never left. Went back, all they had was MS - that broke my desire to ever teach again. I'm now working at a university - far happier.
I know a lot about a little, and a little about a lot.
Reply Quote
CrocsAg20
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
9:47a
AG
Flight lessons. Solo'd a few weeks ago, and working through cross country now. Everything is looking on track for a mid January checkride
Reply Quote
12
Page 1 of 2 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.