Hunting season is approaching fast. If you’re anything like us, it’s one of the best times of the year. Just you, maybe some loved ones, and Mother Nature out there.

But hunting season isn’t just getting out there and shooting. There’s a lot to prepare for hunting season. It’s important to know how to get ready for hunting season—so when the time rolls around, you’ll be on your way to getting some great numbers.

There’s a lot that goes into prepping for hunting season, it might even feel overwhelming at times. To make it easier on you, we asked professionals for great tips to make this hunting season your best one yet.

1. Sort out the legalities

Before you do anything, you have to make sure you can even go hunting in the first place. There are many laws in place to protect people, the environment, and animals. It’s important to follow these laws in order to ensure safety and conservation.

It’s a good idea to double-check your hunting license. You wouldn’t want to jump into action with an expired license. It’s good to check on this a couple of weeks/months in advance so that any applications have time to process by hunting season.

If you’re bringing a new hunter along with you, or if you are one yourself, then you might have to look into certified courses. Minors also would have to tag along with an adult supervisor at all times.

Every state is unique, so check up on your local laws.

2. Look for land

You can’t just go anywhere and start shooting. You have to hunt on legal public hunting land or private land. A lot of hunters try to find private land to hunt on. This is because you’re most likely to avoid roads, telepoles, residencies, and other potential safety hazards/obstructions.

Make connections with local farmers. It’s likely that they know all about the animals around the area. They might just let you hunt on their land. 

Don’t just talk to them, go the extra mile. Keep in mind that many hunters will go knocking on their doors when it’s almost hunting season. Try to establish a relationship with them far before hunting season begins. Give them a gift before and after hunting season to show your appreciation for them.

Once you find some great land to hunt on, it’s time to start your research.

3. Research your target

Deers are beautiful and complicated animals. They seem to always be exploring and running around, but they do have patterns and a need for food.

Use topography maps and aerial photos of the land to find any potential hotspots for deer. Go to these areas and see if you can follow any does. Better yet, set up trail cameras. A few smartly placed trail cameras will help you find great prey. 

If you’ve noticed some patterns in the land, then it’s time to make things easier on yourself. Put small markings in the surrounding trees and clear some paths for yourself. Cut the annoying shrubbery and move some rocks around. When you’re hunting, nothing should get in your way. It’s best to take care of the little obstacles now than later.

If you can, it wouldn’t hurt to manage & maintain a small food plot on the land. It could serve as a valuable lure.

4. Refine your weaponry and practice your shot

Your weapons are likely to wear out over time. Check your gear now so that you’re ready for the big day. Get your rifle in good working order, find the right broadhead/arrow combo, and sharpen that knife. Get a portable charger, replace your flashlight and rangefinder batteries, assemble a simple survival kit. If you have to make any runs to the shop, it’s better to do it before everyone else runs in last minute.

Practice your shot at home, too. A little extra practice never hurt anybody.

Speaking of practice, it might be smart to revisit field dressing techniques.

Have a great time!

Deer hunting brings us closer to Mother Nature, our food, and each other. It’s important to have a great time practicing your craft.

If you’re ever in doubt about anything, talk to your local community. Share this post to spread some good hunting love.

Happy hunting!