The majority of hunters in the US start with deer hunting. Some will never strive for big game hunting and remain avid deer hunters their whole lives. If you are interested in taking up hunting as a sport or it is already a passion, there are some important steps to follow before the start of the season.
Preparing yourself for hunting season involves more than just gearing up, it's also about ensuring the protection of your belongings giving you peace of mind during your hunting adventures.
Prepare yourself for hunting season with the essential gear, including top-notch ammunition. Explore our selection of high-quality .35 whelen brass to enhance your hunting experience.
Get Your License
Get your hunting license well in advance of opening day to avoid getting caught up in red tape that could ruin your hunt. Allow plenty of time to apply for an out-of-state license if you’re traveling as every State handles hunting licenses differently. Don’t get stuck waiting by your mailbox on the first day of the season.
Check The Regulations In Your Hunting Area
Double-check season dates and bag limits as hunting regulations can vary from one season to the next, and from state to state.
Put Together Your Additional Kit
It’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Bringing a survival kit on every hunt, with a few key items is important. These include:
- Fully charged cell phone
- Lighter
- Flashlight, headlamp, or both
- First aid supplies
- Emergency food supply
- Water purifiers
- Map, compass, or GPS
- Batteries
- plate carriers
Plate carriers are an often-overlooked addition to your hunting kit. You never know when accidents might happen. No one ever intentionally fires a stray bullet. Many hunters have never had a close call, but we’ve all heard stories. With the issue of ever-shrinking available hunting land a protective vest is an excellent and potentially life saving tool.
Secure Your Spot On Private Land
Don’t take your trespassing of private land for granted. Try to maintain a relationship with the landowner by stopping by for friendly visits well before the season starts. Offer to share your meat if this is what it takes to keep your spot. Be straightforward about your intentions for the season with the owner as no one likes surprises.
Scout Public Land
Aerial photos and a topographical map of your hunting area are likely available online. Using these online resources to look for natural funnels, possible hunting hotspots and escape routes gives you an advantage over the landscape. Prepare yourself for other hunters as these are the biggest challenge of public hunting. Again it is becoming increasingly dangerous due to smaller hunting areas, so safety gear is a good precaution.
Pick A Spot for Your Stand
Set up your treestand using the knowledge you gained from scouting and, as high as possible and downwind to conceal your scent. Clear any branches that could obstruct your shot.
Manage Your Food Plots
Planting and maintaining a food plot on your hunting land can lead to success during the hunting season. Placement is key, so set up an area of about a ½ acre to 2 acres within 100 to 200 yards of a deer bed. It is a good idea to plant a mix of vegetation that can survive in all seasons. Sugar-rich foods attract a variety of fauna in the fall and winter, especially deer. Make sure that this area offers a prime spot to set up your tree stand.
Set Up Your Trail Cameras
Set up trail cameras on strong, healthy trees about 10 to 15 feet from an animal path. Place the cameras near your food plots, or feeders. Anywhere the animals are likely to pass. Hide cameras just enough to stop them from spooking fauna. You should have one camera per 50 to 100 acres. Make a list of potential targets for the season and monitor them.
Fine Tune Your Weapon
Zero-in your gun from a distance, if you are hunting with a firearm, that makes sense for the type of hunting you do. 100 yards is a common choice and try to zero-in in weather that will be similar to your hunting conditions. Changes in temperature can affect accuracy. It is also INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT that you remember to check for loose screws, especially on scope mounts and rings.
To avoid running out when it matters most, stock up on ammunition early.
If you are shooting with a bow, give it a thorough check-up. Strings stretch and wear over time, causing cams and nocking points to move. You don’t want broken strings to ruin your hunt. Make sure to replace them every few seasons and as soon as they show wear and tear.
Sharpen Your Knife
There’s nothing worse than taking something down, only to have your pride and delight destroyed as you try to field dress the carcass with a dull knife. Make sure it is sharp and consider taking a sharpener along for your trip.
With these tips you are bound to have a great hunting season. Stick to them and carry them out in a timeous manner to ensure that you don’t get held up while everyone else is already out there.
