Nov 7 • Smallest Harvest
The beginning of the Season
Deer season is upon us, and whether you’re a seasoned hunter or heading out for your first time, proper preparation makes all the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating one. Here’s how to get ready.
Gear Check and Maintenance
Start by inspecting your firearm or bow at least a month before opening day. Clean your rifle thoroughly, check the scope mounts for tightness, and head to the range to sight it in. If you’re bowhunting, replace worn strings, check your broadheads for sharpness, and practice your shooting form regularly. Don’t wait until the week before season to discover something needs repair.
Go through your hunting clothes and look for tears, broken zippers, or worn-out boots. Wash your gear with scent-free detergent and store it properly. Make sure you have adequate layers for the conditions you’ll face—early season can be warm, but late season demands serious cold-weather gear.
Scout Your Territory
Get out in the woods now. Look for fresh sign like rubs, scrapes, trails, and droppings. Use trail cameras to pattern deer movement and identify mature bucks if that’s your goal. Pay attention to food sources—acorns, agricultural fields, and browse areas change throughout the season. The more you know about where deer are moving and when, the better your chances.
Stands and Blind
Set up your tree stands or ground blinds well before season opens. This gives deer time to get used to them and reduces disturbance during hunting time. Clear shooting lanes quietly, trim branches that might deflect arrows or bullets, and mark distances to landmarks for range estimation. Check all straps, chains, and safety equipment for wear.
Licensing and Regulations
Purchase your licenses and tags early. Read through your state’s hunting regulations carefully—they often change year to year. Note the specific dates for different weapon types, bag limits, tagging requirements, and any new rules about CWD testing or reporting harvests.
Physical Preparation
Don’t underestimate the physical demands of hunting. Walking rough terrain, climbing into stands, and dragging out a deer takes stamina. Start a basic fitness routine if you haven’t been active. Practice with your weapon from realistic hunting positions—kneeling, sitting, shooting uphill and downhill.
Pack Your Essentials
Assemble your hunting pack now, not opening morning. Include a sharp knife, game bags, rope, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, first aid kit, fire starter, compass or GPS, license and tags, water, snacks, and any calls or scents you plan to use. Have a backup plan for getting your deer out, whether that’s a game cart, drag rope, or knowing who you can call for help.
Final Week
The week before opener, minimize your time in the hunting area. Double-check the weather forecast and adjust your clothing accordingly. Fill your gas tank, charge all electronics, and prep any food you’ll need. Get good sleep—exhaustion and hunting don’t mix well.
Most importantly, review your safety protocols. Always let someone know where you’ll be hunting and when you’ll return. Wear your safety harness in tree stands every single time, and treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
Opening day comes fast, but hunters who prepare thoroughly give themselves the best shot at a successful and safe season. See you in the woods.
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The beginning of the Season
