Are you getting ready for deer season? If so, make sure you do these things to fully prepare! There is a lot that goes into deer hunting which is why you need to get informed and prepared. This article will cover everything you need to do to get ready for deer season.
Tune Up Your Weapons
Having a fully-functional weapon is the first thing that has to come to your mind when going out in the woods, and that starts with how you carry it. You should read more about how important a rifle sling is for this trip. It’s going to help you handle the weight of your gun the whole time.
You should clean your weapons and make sure they are in good working order before the season starts. This will help you avoid any surprises when you are out in the field. For example, make sure the safety can easily be engaged and disengaged.
You can also take a look at our guide about the best binoculars.
You should also clean the bore of your rifle and oil all moving parts. If you have a scope, check to see that it is still zeroed in.
Practice
Head out to the firing range to do some practice shots before deer season. You don’t want to wait until the day of to find out your aim is off, or that your gun isn’t firing correctly. Get a feel for how much force you need to use to take down a deer, and make sure you’re comfortable with your weapon.
This is especially important if you’ve bought a new rifle you aren’t adjusted to yet, or if you’re using a bow for the first time. You don’t want any surprises when deer season comes, so take some time to get used to your equipment now.
Even if you’ve been hunting for years, it’s always good to brush up on the basics. Doing essential shooting drills will make sure that you’re up to the task once you’re in the wild.
Gear Up
It’s likely that you’ll spend multiple days in the wilderness which is why it’s essential to get all the necessary equipment. These are the following things:
- a tent
- a comfortable sleeping bag
- a camp stove and fuel
- lanterns or flashlights and batteries
- first aid kit including supplies for blisters and snake bite
- bug spray and sunscreen
- a compass
- binoculars
- a whistle
- maps of the area
- a multi-purpose tool
- matches in a waterproof container
- a fire starter
- a knife
- extra food and water
In addition to the basics, you’ll also need food, water, and clothes. It’s important to pack enough but not too much so that you can easily carry everything.
Research The Hunting Grounds
You don’t want any surprises once you head into the woods. So, do your homework on the hunting grounds you’ll be frequenting. Google Maps is a great resource for scouting out an area.
Check out the terrain, note any potential hazards and plot out a few possible routes to take. You should also research the deer patterns in the area. When do they typically bed down? Where do they like to graze? Knowing these things will help you better plan your hunt.
If you’re new to an area, it’s always a good idea to talk to the locals. They can fill you in on all sorts of useful information, from where the best spots are to what kind of weather to expect.
Clear The Travel Paths
A few days before you start hunting, clear the travel paths on your property. This will give you a chance to see any deer that might be using the paths, and it will also help you avoid disturbing the deer while you’re hunting.
If you have a lot of brush on your property, consider clearing a few paths with a chainsaw or brush cutter. This will make it easier to walk through the woods and spot deer. You can also use an ATV or UTV to clear paths, but be careful not to damage the vegetation.
Get In Shape
Hunting is a physical challenge you need to be ready for, so getting in shape is a great way to prep for deer season. Work on your cardio and endurance most because you’ll be doing a lot of walking. You don’t want to get too tired out while you’re trying to track down your deer.
You should also focus on strengthening your legs and back since you’ll be carrying around a lot of gear. For example, you can do some squats while holding dumbbells. Or, try doing some lunges with a weight plate on your back.
Deer season is a favorite pastime for many hunters, but you do need to be prepared in order to fully appreciate it, so tune up your weapons and practice with them. Make sure to have all the necessary gear on you as well.
Research the hunting grounds and clear the travel paths to make things easier for you. Finally, make sure to get into shape before heading out as this is a big challenge after all!
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