It is a very telling fact that there are hunters who do very well every year, while some go several years without getting a deer. Now I am not talking about those hunters who go on guided hunts and you will see what I mean when we discuss the subject.
Do you think those successful hunters are lucky? When you talk to those who are consistently successful deer hunters, you will discover that it is not luck at all, but proper preparation for the hunt that makes them successful. Most of them are well prepared long before the season begins. They didn’t wait until the last minute for them to point their rifles, explore and locate the trails. Personally, I spend about twice as much time preparing for the hunt as I do hunting.
I’m exploring year-round, whether it’s after a good rain looking for fresh tracks, taking notes of new routes I come across while hunting turkeys, or even marking water points while fishing. I use the newspaper or computer to check future moon phases or weekly weather conditions. I buy a new hunting license before the next season starts. I’m also in the habit of studying camera footage from last year’s game and comparing it to footage from the current season. One can find all kinds of topographic and aerial maps on the computer these days. I pay close attention to trail markers and possible places to sleep.
All this information that you have ingested between seasons is put together while you are at your booth. Remember things like where the watering holes are. If a strong north wind picks up, it will remember where the canyons or canyons are so deer can seek shelter. Your mind is always racing and putting together different scenarios. That’s it; you have become a prepared hunter.
Other things you need to do to prepare for the hunt before it happens is to check your bow, make sure the bowstring is in good shape. Check the cams very well, you may even want to take it to a bow shop to have it tuned. Make sure your muzzleloader is clean and in good condition. If you have a viewer, take the time to see it properly. Take your rifle to the shooting range and get it right. I strongly suggest using the same ammo that you plan to fire in the field while in range. Some people use the cheapest ammo in the range to aim their guns. When they are in the field, they will generally use higher quality ammunition. This ammo will act differently from that used in the range to aim the weapon. Now that difference won’t matter much on, say, a fifty-yard throw. But at a distance of one hundred to three hundred yards, it could mean the difference between a fatal shot and a non-fatal shot.
The supplies you carry in the field can also make your search better. I have a backpack specifically packed for deer hunting. I have things like a first aid kit, a compass (my dad gave me), a flashlight and fresh batteries, an orange hunting vest, a tree harness, ropes, knives, a snake bite kit, and various other things.
Throughout the season I will use these things at least once. A person will only have to work with their package for a couple of seasons before they are comfortable with its contents. Sometimes you just don’t have enough or you don’t have the right supplies. A few years ago my tree stand completely collapsed under me and this big boy fell. I broke or broke ten bones. That day he could have used a parachute, a neck brace and a dashboard. Sometimes it is difficult to think of everything you will need on a certain hunting trip.
Deer hunting is serious business to me. I provide meat to feed my family. Successful deer hunters are always looking ahead to the next hunt or season. As soon as the deer season is over, you should start preparing for the next season. Now, it may be ten months, but be prepared. Become a serious deer hunter. Get yourself a calendar. Check the projected scan dates each month. Mark the dates for planting spring food plots or fall food plots. Schedule times to go to the range. Mark the target dates to get your new hunting license. You should mark target dates when you will replace all of your worn or broken equipment. Enter dates to upload your tracking cameras and later dates to verify them. I assure you that your hunts will be more successful in the future by following these simple steps.
When it comes to guided hunts, they are great if you have the money. Just make sure that the guide you hire has done the work of locating and tracking the animals prior to their arrival. Hunting guides are like dog trainers, there are good guys and bad guys. Be sure to check out the guide before you drop your money.