Archery deer seasons open soon across the Midwest, and there’s much work to be done. August isn’t a great month to spend time working in the woods, but the sweat equity you invest when it’s pushing 100 and humid, should pay off when you’re 15 feet up a tree on a cool autumn morning. To be at the top of your game on opening day, put in the work now to make sure your equipment is ready, your shooting skills are sharp, and all your safety measures are in place. Prepared hunters have the highest likelihood of success when the moment of truth arrives.
Take inventory of your gear. Begin by laying out all the equipment you plan to use. Go through each item piece by piece. Check for broken straps, frayed edges, and damaged parts. If you find a half-used bottle of deer pee, throw it away. We’re starting fresh. Make sure you have everything you need and replace any worn-out gear before the season starts. Add little extras to your stash, like spare batteries for headlamps and flashlights, scent free wet wipes, and toilet paper. This process exposes anything you might have used up or misplaced last year. Finding and fixing issues now avoids unnecessary frustration on opening day.
Your bow is the most important piece of equipment you’ll use during archery season. It should be in perfect condition before you step into the woods. Inspect the strings for fraying, make sure everything is tight, and check the cams and limbs for any signs of damage. If you are unsure about the condition of your bow, take it to an archery shop for a professional inspection and tune-up.
Once your bow is ready, you need to put in consistent practice time. I know plenty of folks who feel their bow is like a scoped rifle. Meaning once the sights are set, they think it’ll be automatically accurate when they pull the trigger. Well, the bow may be, but you might not be. There is a ton of muscle memory involved in shooting archery, and your body needs to be in tune with your mind. Far too much can go wrong, and the only way to be at your best is to practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more.
Don’t limit yourself to shooting on level ground. Practice from seated and kneeling positions and simulate shooting from a tree stand or elevated position. Work on shooting at different distances so you’re comfortable when a deer steps out at a range you didn’t expect. Accuracy is not just about hitting the target, it’s about making quick, clean, ethical shots.
If you hunt from a treestand, you must inspect it and preform maintained on it before you step foot back onto it this fall. Look, no deer is worth the risk of falling to your death or suffering a serious injury, like becoming paralyzed. You are putting yourself at risk every time you step onto a treestand. The least you can do for yourself and those who love you is to put in the effort to make sure the stands you use are as safe as possible. Look for rust, cracks, or loose parts. Replace straps or chains if there’s any doubt about their strength. Evaluate the tree itself to ensure it’s healthy and sturdy. Remove any overhead limbs that could fall and avoid areas with nearby dead trees that could drop on you.
Quiet access to your stands is essential. Deer have excellent hearing, and a loud approach could ruin a hunt before it starts. Mow and trim trails leading to your stands. Remove sticks, branches, and brush that could snag on clothing or make noise underfoot. Cut and clear your shooting lanes now. Find where to cut the lanes by sitting in your stand and identifying the exact spots where you might take a shot. Angles change opportunity, so what you see from the ground may be different than from above. Remove branches and brush from those lanes so you’re not trying to squeeze an arrow through a tight gap when it matters most.
Every time you hunt from an elevated position, you must wear a safety harness. There is no exception to this rule. Practice using it before the season starts so you know how to put it on and attach it in the dark. Learn how it adjusts and how to maneuver safely while connected. Falls from tree stands are one of the most common hunting accidents, and a harness is your best defense.
Archery season often starts with warm, humid weather. Mosquitoes and other insects can be a major problem. Use scent-free bug insect repellent to keep them at bay. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that helps control scent while keeping you cool. Hydration is another consideration in the early season. Long sits in warm weather can lead to dehydration if you don’t bring enough water.
By addressing these tasks before the opener, you avoid problems, distractions, and suffering any frustrations of broken gear, unprepared environments, or tragic accidents. Opening day is one of the most anticipated mornings of the year for bowhunters. When you walk into the woods knowing your equipment is ready, your shooting is dialed in, and your stands are safe, you increase both your chances of success and your safety. Do the work now, so you can enjoy the hunt on opening day.
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
driftwoodoutdoors@gmail.com
Pic: Do the work now to be prepared for opening day of archery deer season.
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