The best thing you can do to prepare 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 isn’t just about baggin’ that prize-winning buck. This season might be a great time to teach your kids about hunting, so include your family in your plan.

Making Plans

1. Figure out when and where you’ll hunt, whether on public land or private property. Decide on how much time you’ll invest in hunting, and pick your huntin’ buddies (or junior hunting cadets). Study how lunar patterns affect deer movement and decide when the best days to hunt will be.

2. Dragging a deer back to the truck takes a lot of energy, so it wouldn’t hurt to get some exercise leading up to your trip. You should also look into a good hunting backpack or the Honey Badger Wheel.

3. 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 field cameras to study deer patterns.

4. If it’s permitted where you’re hunting, late spring is the time to establish food plots.

5. Make sure you’ve completed a hunter’s safety course and keep your documents handy.

6. Gather your pertinent documents. You’ll need your hunting license, proof of hunter’s safety course and a signed landowner permission for private land. If your state requires digital game reporting, check to see if there’s an app through the local DNR.

7. Familiarize yourself with state laws and guidelines.

Making Preparations

1. Once plans are made, it’s time to get your gear into shape. Inventory and inspect your hunting gear to ensure it fits and is in good condition.

2. Replace the stuff that didn’t survive last season.

3. Research what gear you’ll need and update your arsenal as needed.

4. If you need some new boots or camo, Carhartt offers some good hunting apparel. If you want custom boots, you can’t go wrong with Lathrop and Sons.

5. Clean your rifles, sharpen your knives and inspect your bow and arrows. Also, it’s a good idea to buy all the ammo you need well in advance.

6. Sight your bows or rifles and spend plenty of time practicing your marksmanship.

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to hunt. Just don’t 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.