The best thing you can do when preparing for deer hunting season is to be proactive in your approach. Having a clear-cut plan will make your hunting trips more successful and more enjoyable. One thing to keep in mind is that hunting isnโt just about bagginโ that prize-winning buck. This season might be a great time to teach your kids about hunting, so include your family in your plan.
Preparing for Deer Hunting Season
- Figure out when and where youโll hunt, whether on public land or private property. Decide on how much time youโll invest in hunting, and pick your huntinโ buddies (or junior hunting cadets). Study how lunar patterns affect deer movement and decide when the best days to hunt will be.
- Dragging a deer back to the truck takes a lot of energy, so it wouldnโt hurt to get some exercise leading up to your trip. You should also look into a good hunting backpack.
- Before the season kicks off, scout your hunting locations, looking for signs of deer movement. Clear your travel paths if time permits. Consider your deer stand placement and, if you can, use trail cameras to study deer patterns.
- If itโs permitted where youโre hunting, late spring is the time to establish food plots.
- Make sure youโve completed a hunterโs safety course and keep your documents handy.
- Gather your pertinent documents. Youโll need your hunting license, proof of hunterโs safety course and a signed landowner permission for private land. If your state requires digital game reporting, check to see if thereโs an app through the local DNR.
- Familiarize yourself with state laws and guidelines.
Making Preparations for Deer Season
- Once plans are made, itโs time to get your gear into shape. Inventory and inspect your hunting gear to ensure it fits and is in good condition.
- Replace the stuff that didnโt survive last season.
- Research what gear youโll need and update your arsenal as needed.
- If you need some new boots or camo, Carhartt offers some good hunting apparel. If you want goodย boots
, you can’t go wrong with Hoffman boots.
- Clean your rifles, sharpen your knives and bowhunters need to inspect your archery gear. If you’re a rifle hunter, itโs a good idea to buy all the ammo you need well in advance.
- Sight your bows or rifles and spend plenty of time practicing your marksmanship.
Now that youโre prepared, itโs time to hunt. Just donโt forget to relish the moment, whether you bag a big buck or just enjoy the bite of the fall air and the peace of the woods. Hopefully, after the season ends, you’ll be waiting on taxidermists.