Summer is fast approaching, and now is a great time to gear up for deer hunting season in the coming months.The best way to prepare for deer hunting is to strike when the bucks are in rutting mode. It’s also the time when deer tend to let their guard down while seeking to mate. 

Adequate preparation involves a few simple steps to ensure your reap a big harvest. We will help you review your game plan, get your gear in order, and snag that buck you always wanted.

Sharpen your tools

Hitting your target is a priority during the trip. Clean and fine-tuning your bows, arrows, and rifles. Check your bows and strings, and repair or replace any broken parts. Also, clean your rifle and tighten any loose rings and mounts. 

Next, ensure the scope on your firearm is working correctly to help maximize visibility in the field.

Scope out the area

Before setting out, it’s a good idea to get a feel of the deer traffic in your target area. Talk to people living and working nearby, who may help guide you to the best spots.

deer hunting season

Brush up on hunting laws

Reviewing your local hunting rules can also help avoid any delays when you set out. Make sure your license is up-to-date and inquire about any changes to existing regulations.

Set up your tracking devices

Zooming in on deer activity is critical to ensuring you get a good idea of their actions and habits. Choose areas with mature trees and unobstructed views of the pathways. If you track deer with trail cameras, set them up at least 15 feet of the deer trail. 

It will help you determine the type of deer in the area as you review your shots. Further, you can consider placing your camera near to feeding stations, and other areas deer are likely to visit.

deer hunting season

Mark out your tree stand

Position your tree stand as early as possible to ensure you get the best spot. Setting up tree stands early also assists in helping nearby deer to get comfortable with the setup. After a while, they will view the stand’s scent and noise as part of their natural environment.

Hang your tree stand at the highest point and out of the path of the wind to help minimize scent. Check your stand for any loose straps, shaky bolts, and squeaky noises. Tweak each area to ensure you have a sturdy setup.

Trim away any twigs, or overhanging leaves close to the tree stand. Remove any items in the direct path of the position to help avoid scaring the deer off the track. Some studies also suggest clearing more than one trail when trimming twigs and branches.

Pack your kit

Getting a head start on your hunting supplies is an excellent strategy to adopt. Assemble your gear and make any necessary repairs. Make a checklist for cleaning, repairing, and replacing faulty equipment. Your kit should include:

Safety supplies

Stock up on the following items:

  • torchlights 
  • matches 
  • lighters 
  • batteries 
  • maps 
  • first-aid essentials 
  • a reliable cell phone and charging port

Other essential gear includes:

Hunting Knife

A sharp hunting knife will help prepare the meat for storage and transport. Clean and sharpen your blades for maximum efficiency.

Bows, arrows, and firearms

Make sure your bows are in good shape, and your firearms are zeroed in and ready to aim. Clean the scope lens and check to see it is zooming in to at least within 100 yards of your target. 

Footwear

Tramping through thick brush, rocks, and swampy ground requires sturdy footwear. Make sure your boots blend in with the rest of your hunting clothing. Choose boots that are light enough to keep you moving freely, and can hold up for long periods.

Clothing

Camouflage clothing is an ideal choice when preparing for deer hunting season. The gear also helps you blend in with the surroundings and provide cover to reduce alerting deer to your presence.

Rangefinder

If you hunt with a rangefinder, it’s useful to check its accuracy beforehand to ensure it’s recording the correct distance. Practice using it in your garden or backyard to help detect any issues before hunting season starts.

Have a Plan “B”

Things can and will go wrong, even with the best preparations. While you still have time, work out a backup plan for a few scenarios that may occur while hunting. Think about your safety if you plan to hunt alone. 

Additionally, look at the area and try to gauge any possible changes that may reduce your chances of success.

Food and Water

Depending on how long you plan to hunt, pack enough food and clean water for the trip. Foods can include fruits, snacks, and other easy-to-prepare items.

Maximize on mating habits

Although you are chasing bucks, try observing the areas where does roam during mating season to help locate their trail. Spend time outdoors tracking and trailing deer sightings. Please make a list of their feeding habits and times they frequent the area. These will help you have a well-informed hunting experience. 

Keep fit

Maintaining fitness levels will help you stay alert and in shape during the deer hunting season. Running, swimming, walking, and riding are some excellent ways to help build stamina for the tasks ahead.

Set up your food plots

Cultivating tree food plots also helps ensure you fatten the dear up before the hunt begins. Plots containing beans, oats, corn, apples, acorns, tulip bulbs, and turnips are good options. 

Start planting early to help attract deer to the areas during waking hours. Other regions of food plotting include soil prepping, spraying, fertilizing, mowing, and plowing.

Conclusion

Deer hunting season is the highlight of the year for many enthusiasts and professional hunters. Success depends on significant preparation and a solid game plan. Sharpen your tools, pack your kit, and check that your permits are valid for the upcoming season. 

Also, adequate practice sessions will help build your confidence and ensure your bows, rifles, and other tools are working correctly. Checking your gear, tweaking any issues, and observing deer activity will come together to help ensure a rewarding season.

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