| The countdown has started-less than a month until | | | | hunting strategy. Once you've decided on where to |
| opening day for bow hunting. Your hunting cameras | | | | hang your tree stand, place it just prior to a rain. The |
| have been in position for several weeks over food | | | | rain will wash away any scent you have left behind. |
| sources and watering spots and have helped you | | | | Third, get your hunting gear out and get organized. |
| identify travel routes to those areas. They also have | | | | Repair items that are broken and replace those that |
| given you some idea of when and how often deer | | | | can't be fixed. Upgrade equipment. You don't have to |
| might appear. Don't expect the bucks to appear any | | | | have the latest thing on the market, but occasionally |
| more regularly than this. Continue to use your cameras | | | | you should treat yourself to a new piece of equipment |
| to monitor food source activity until you notice a | | | | that has proven value. Organize everything you will |
| reduction in deer activity. When you begin to see | | | | need for the first hunt of the year. Calls, scents, |
| fewer daytime images and fewer total images, you'll | | | | compass, knife, flashlight (with fresh batteries), drag |
| know it is time to alter your hunting tactics. | | | | rope and GPS should be packed so that each is |
| Armed with the information gathered by your | | | | readily available. |
| cameras, it is time to prepare for opening day. Your | | | | On the eve of opening day, lay out your clothes so |
| first step is to recheck the territory in which you plan | | | | they are ready to slip into and pack food and drinks |
| to hunt. Be sure it is still owned by the same person | | | | for the day. On that long awaited morning, eat a good |
| and that you still have permission to hunt on the land. In | | | | breakfast and leave early. Be in your stand before |
| addition, you will need to determine whether there | | | | daylight as this may be your best chance for the day. |
| have been any major land use changes. If the area | | | | Last deer season, my daughter-in-law bagged her |
| has been clear cut, for example, that would obviously | | | | deer at 7:30 a.m. Hike into your stand slowly and as |
| change your hunting plans. | | | | quietly as possible. Be in position at least 15 minutes |
| Next, review your scouting information. This is a key | | | | before daylight so that the woods can settle down. |
| factor in the success of your hunt. Along with you | | | | Finally, have several options available as your hunting |
| camera images, you should have notes on sightings | | | | strategy for the day. Wind, weather conditions and |
| reported to you by farmers, neighbors, friends and | | | | hunter activity are all factors that may influence your |
| fellow hunters. Topographical and aerial maps provide | | | | success. |
| information about the terrain that will help you plan your | | | | |