The rut is quickly approaching, and for many deer hunters, that means gun season is on the horizon, too. Regardless of when your firearms season falls, there are things to keep in mind. Here are some of those.
Gather the Gear
Obviously, a gun is pretty important for gun season. And using one that fits is crucial. Firearms aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choose one that feels right, and has the proper weight, recoil and length of pull.
Where legal, a scope is also part of the equation. This increases effectiveness and range. Scope mounts and rings are necessary, too.
Ammo is another big one. Purchase the caliber ammo that matches your gun. It’s sad that we have to say it, but never use anything other than what’s approved for your weapon (brand, caliber and model).
For those who don’t want to hold their gun the entire hunt, a sling helps take some weight off. It also frees up your hands to do other things.
Next, select a monopod, bipod or tripod. The latter offers the most stability, while the former is the most basic option.
In some states, a cased firearm is required during transport. Whether mandated by law or not, it’s a good idea to use one. Used properly, it increases safety, and protects the gun, too.
Most hunters prefer a good pair of optics. Certainly, choose a pair for your next hunt, as it’s important to never “glass” with a scope. This is dangerous. Never put your scope on (or point any weapon toward) an object until you’ve identified it as a safe-to-shoot wild game target.
Beyond that, don’t limit rangefinders to bowhunters. Boom stick enthusiasts need them, too. Judging yardage is judging yardage, whether at 40 or 400 yards.
Wind checker is another item that gun hunters also need. You think a deer can’t smell you just because you have a gun in hand? If anything, they’re more stinky, especially muzzleloaders.
Many hunters prefer to sit on the ground, but if that’s not your style, it is best to have a treestand or ground blind to perch. If implementing the former option, you’ll need climbing sticks, safety harness, lifeline system, pull-up ropes, and gear hangers or hooks, too. For blinds, take a chair or stool to sit on.
Next, calls and rattling antlers can prove helpful, especially if a deer passed by out of range or in cover where you don’t have a shot.
For those who like to hide, it doesn’t hurt to wear camo. Pick your poison and suit up. It also doesn’t hurt to have a good set of rain gear on hand. At least have something waterproof to cover up expensive gear with.
On cold hunts, good clothing, Hot Hands and other warmers help keep Jack Frost away. It truly can mean the difference between making an ethical shot, and not being able to feel the trigger with your finger.
Finally, remember all of your safety gear, such as flashlights, navigation devices (compass, GPS, and/or phone apps), and all other safety and first aid gear.
And, would it even be deer season if you didn’t buy at least one bottle of buck pee? (Just check your most recent hunting regulations before pouring out a bottle of real urine.)
Get the Right License and Tag
Location depending, licenses and tags can be weapon-specific, while they aren’t in other places. Again, check your deer hunting regulations to determine what you do and don’t need to hunt with a firearm, including taking a hunter’s education course.
Then, once you have the appropriate documents, put them in a Ziploc bag and store those in a dry pocket in your pack. No one likes a wet tag. Also, keep a couple pens with it in case you fill that tag, and need something to fill it out with.
Memorize Pack Placement
Once all gear is in place, put everything in its designated location (whether in the pack or on your person). Then, remember where it all goes. You never want to need something and not be able to find it in a pinch. Memorize everything’s location.
Dial It on In
Make sure that gun and scope combo are sighted in. This begins with a proper mounting procedure. Getting sighted in shouldn't require a lot of adjustment, if it does, there's probably something else wrong. Start close then work your way out, if you have to make more than one revolution of adjustment in any direction to back to zero and re-mount that scope. Once you get it on the board, shoot it at various yardages, from close range out to your maximum ethical yardage. Then, keep shooting to familiarize yourself with it. Become proficient, even distinguished, with your weapon of choice. Then, clean it up before hunting with or storing it.
Arrange the Orange
Hunters should always remember to wear orange, even in states that don’t require it. This could save your life, or someone else’s, if worn appropriately. Don’t take chances. Ensure safety.
Last-Minute Trail Camera Checks
Another good thing to do as gun season looms is to complete one final trail camera check. Pull cards, or monitor cell cams, to help make those last-minute stand location decisions. Real-time intel is very beneficial for those willing to put in the effort.
Sharpen the Knives
No one wants to skin a buck with a dull knife, and you’re going to the deer woods to kill — not mess around. So, sharpen that blade with confidence. Soon, we’ll gut, skin, cape, flesh and feast.
Unleash the Range
Then, once scouting and preparation are complete, pick a spot that doesn’t hinder the gun’s range. Why hunt a bow stand when you can cover more distance?
But Hunt Where Deer Are
That said, it’s important to hunt where the deer are living during legal shooting hours. If target deer aren’t making it into open fields, you must push deeper into cover and hunt where they are. That’s just the nature of recognizing your situation and adapting accordingly.
Focus on Does and Food
If you’re having trouble pinpointing deer, start with food sources. Then, if they aren’t hitting these during daylight, start inching back toward bedding areas. During the rut, focus on doe bedding. Outside of that, drill down on buck beds.
Consider Safety Factors
Always plan out hunts prior to going and let everyone know what your plans are. Don’t sit at a stand that’s too close to someone else, or one that puts you or others in harm’s way.
Shoot only after identifying your target as a deer you can legally take. Wait for an ethical shot opportunity. Never shoot toward people, buildings, or other structures. And don’t pull that trigger unless there is a safe backdrop beyond the target.
Put safety first, and have fun this gun season.
