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Prepare for the Deer Hunt

__________________________________________ CB

In addition to scouting for good areas to hunt whitetails, you will also need certain clothing, equipment and accessories for deer hunting. Don't wait until a week before opening day to prepare for the deer season. Your commitment to this sport, before, during, and after the deer season will be a serious factor in the amount of success that you have during the upcoming season.

You will need clothing for deer hunting that is extremely quiet and sufficient. Your clothing should also provide adequate cover, and most important your clothing must keep you protected. You want clothing that is able to handle all the weather that Mother Nature will provide for your hunting pleasure. When we hunt we spend the entire day in pursuit of the whitetail deer. If we bowhunt we remain in our stand for the entire day so you really need clothing that will keep you warm, comfortable, and dry. There is nothing worse than setting up for a bowhunt from a portable stand only to have your day ruined by insufficient clothing. Make sure that you check out your area hunting regulations before making a major purchase. In some states blaze orange camo could be illegal during the firearm season. Quality clothing will allow you to enjoy a full day of hunting and it's worth the investment.

Check out all of your options and hunting regulations before purchasing any new equipment. If you're considering purchasing a portable tree stand, bow or firearm do some research. Check with a friend or another deer hunter, and most important invest in equipment that will not be obsolete in the near future. You want equipment that will work best for you. We recommend that you purchase a portable tree stand that will not damage a tree at all, and never cut any live branches. Hunting regulations are constantly changing regarding the use of portable tree stands so choose wisely. Probably the most important advice that we can give you on purchasing a bow or firearm is to remember that your weapon will be with you for the entire day. Weight is an important factor and although lighter weapons may be more comfortable to carry, they don't always perform as well when it comes time for the shot. You should consider your style of hunting, and again remember that you want equipment that will work best for you. Don't forget to do some target shooting to familiarize yourself with your weapon, and make sure that it works properly. Always check your weapons before the hunt and sight them in. Bowhunting is our favorite, and we spend countless hours shooting arrows at targets to insure a good hit in the vital area, if the opportunity should arise. Practice! Practice! Practice!

Hunting accessories are nice but they can become a nuisance so only hunt with what you need. Use a small pack and hunt light. We usually start out in the fall bowhunting looking like we are prepared for a weekend camping trip, but when gun season comes around all we use is a fanny pack with the essentials for a full day of hunting. Bow hunting does require more accessories, especially if you hunt from a portable tree stand like we do. We usually carry the following accessories whenever we hunt: radio, waterproof matches, toilet paper, flashlight, drag rope, compass and GPS, rubber gloves, plastic bags for the liver and heart, knife, folding saw, surveying ribbon for marking the blood trail, buck lure, cover scent, camera, and enough food and water for the day. If you hunt from a tree stand use a safety strap.

Don't forget to purchase your hunting license and stamps early, and become familiar with the hunting regulations in your area. If you prepare yourself for whitetail deer hunting, you will be prepared for the unexpected and your season will be one to remember.