Hunters should start preparing a well-planned season

The hunting season has begun. The early specialty and archery seasons are in full swing, or full draw, in the case of those shooting the pointy sticks.

For the rest of us, it all starts in September and runs through the end of the year for sheep, so it’s not too late to put the final touches on our equipment and get ourselves in shape both physically and mentally.

The physical and mental experience ties us to our past, the tradition and culture we share with hunters over the past decades, centuries and millennia. We maintain this link by spending time in wild places as hunters have always found necessary for sustenance and maintaining a balance with nature and in our own lives.

We all live busy lives in our technological society and most of us spend too much time at the desk, behind the steering wheel or on the couch. Yes, I’m talking about myself too.

Perhaps you’ve been doing a bit of walking around the block or at the gym, but now it’s time to get in the field and nothing prepares you better than heading for the hills, mountains or open spaces. It doesn’t have to be far, but should duplicate some of the terrain you’ll be hunting.

It’s important to put on that pack you’ll be carrying, with some weight in it. This will get you comfortable with the feel and you can start determining just what you need, and don’t need, in that pack. Nothing gets you more prepared than these short trips in the field.

It’s also time to get that equipment in shape. Here are a few things we all know, so you can consider this just a “double check.”

Give your rifle another cleaning, put a thin coat of oil on it and make sure your scope is secured properly as it can become loosened from storage and handling since last season when you put it away. Then get to the range and make sure you’re on target; at any effective range, you may be shooting using the same ammunition you’ll be using on the hunt.

No, it’s not enough to shoot a couple of rounds and call it okay. It’s much more effective to go several times and shoot a few shots rather than going once and burning up a complete box of ammo. This could prevent developing that dreaded flinch or perhaps a sore shoulder and ringing ears.

Also, practice from the effective shooting positions you will use during the hunt, as you probably won’t find a bench rest when that deer, elk or sheep steps into the clearing. If you use shooting sticks, practice with them. In all cases include practice sitting, standing and prone positions.

A sturdy gun case will help protect your rifle while traveling and a comfortable rifle sling will make traveling on the trail more efficient. Don’t just order or pick up a sling from your local sporting goods dealer. Take your rifle in, and like buying a good pair of boots, try it on and make sure the fit is right.

Now let’s look at the other “stuff.” Set that tent up in the yard and make sure all of the poles and stakes are still with it and you can set it up quickly and efficiently. If you’ve ever set up a tent in the rain, you know why this is important.

Put those things in the tent that will be used on the trip. You may even enjoy spending a night in the yard with it and the kids, or perhaps just a nap and a lunch. It all helps you get practice and into the spirit of the hunt.

If you’re going to use a trailer, camper or RV, get the tires, brakes and fluids checked and then pack it with what you will be using on the trip. Just like the tent, it will put you mentally in that comfort place and not create last-minute anxiety by getting ready “while on the road.”

Preparation and anticipation are part of the hunt and like many things, often the best part. Enjoy getting in the “hunter’s mode.”

Next, make sure your stove and cooking equipment are also in good working order by using them to cook a meal for family or friends. Make it the same as you’ll be having on your hunt; if it’s freeze-dried or beans, then enjoy the adventure and your friends will too.

The optics you use will also be an important part of your preparation. Use the best you can afford and practice with them. You will spend much more time looking through your binoculars and spotting scope than you will looking through your rifle scope. Get used to quickly and efficiently finding your target and make sure they are comfortable and working well. Your binoculars or scope out of alignment will be useless and may ruin the hunt. Replace or have them repaired by the factory.

Then there is the all-important knife and field dressing kit. I prefer a three-inch folding lock blade knife for my belt, but also a six-inch sheath knife and small folding saw in my pack. These don’t have to be expensive custom blades, but look for a name brand like Buck, Gerber, Puma or Case. All will give you years of dependable service and become more than a tool.

After several years, they feel like an old trusted friend and become part of the tradition that lasts for years and even decades as they are handed down through family and friends.

So, if you’ve done all of these things, you’re ready to go. If not, it’s time to get moving. Enjoy getting ready, packing and visiting with friends and other like-minded sportsmen. They may even enjoy helping. It’s part of the tradition and not meant to be stressful, but savored like a good meal, Cuban cigar, fine brandy or other quality experience.

If you have a story or comment about this or other articles, please contact me at dansimmons@usa.net or give me a call at 775-727-9777.