By Paul Rackley, GunBroker Editor
With deer season coming fast, bow season has started in many areas, hunters need to get going with deer season prep. Sure, lots of hunters head out to the same area with the same rifle to put meat in the freezer. Some, though, want more from the experience. They want to rely on skill and knowledge, removing as much luck as possible as a factor. These hunters put in the prep work that virtually guarantees success.
Getting ready for deer season requires more than obtaining a rifle and scope and sighting it, though both are important. Prepping for deer season requires finding places to hunt, locating deer, improving habitat, and preparing the body and mind.
Deer Season Prep Tips
Find a Place
The United States abounds with millions of acres of public land, much of it open to hunting. In addition to federal land, such as national forests, bureau of land management and corps of engineers, states and many localities have properties where hunting is allowed. Most properties can be initially found online, including those with limited access, ie., draw hunts.
Some hunters prefer to find private hunting property. While purchasing a few hundred acres might be expensive, leasing land or joining a club can be quite affordable. Finding a club or lease property can be difficult, but not impossible. Real estate agents know about properties for sale, and might even hear about lease opportunities.
Folks can also learn about clubs at hunting stores, feed stores and even online, such as Craigslist and social media. Just be sure to ensure it is not a scam before sending any money.
Finally, talk to farmers. Some have friends or family already hunting the property, but might not mind letting another have access. Especially, if the person asking is well mannered and honest. Some might even be willing to lease property, providing a binding contract to a certain degree.
Mossberg Patriot
The Patriot comes in a wide assortment of chamberings, ranging from .22-250 Rem. up to the .450 Bushmaster, with several popular deer chamberings in between. Features on this bolt-action rifle include detachable magazine, fluted and threaded barrel, spiral-fluted bolt and adjustable trigger. It’s greatest feature, however, is that it feels like it should cost way more than the $500 to $600 for which it can be obtained.
Prep the Gear
Success during deer season depends on a variety of factors. This includes being able to hit the target. As such, hunters need to ensure the point of impact relates to point of aim on sporting arms. Whether using an ole faithful or new setup, be sure to hit the range for both accuracy and practice.
Shots in the woods won’t be from a bench. For this reason, hunters should also take time to shoot in a variety of scenarios, including offhand shots. This ensures being ready if a deer comes in at an odd angle or direction.
Most hunters perform deer season prep by washing clothes and checking boots for leaks. This often rolls over to stands. Don’t forget, however, to check safety straps and harnesses for nicks and frays. This includes straps attaching stands to trees.
This is also the time to gather, and check, those little items that make hunting easier and more comfortable. These include packs, first-aid kits, knives, GPS units, rattle bags and calls. If using a blind, make sure both the poles and fabric are in good shape, as well as that the seats are secure and quiet. This is when hunters should find everything and make sure it is in working order.
Savage Model 110
Savage has always been known for making accurate rifles. When it developed the AccuTrigger, the company went into a whole other class. And the Model 110 continues to offer hunters an accurate and affordable option. With 30 models from which to choose, providing numerous chambering options, hunters can find a rifle suited to their style. Even better, most go for less than a grand.
Find the Deer
While year-round scouting is best, it can also be difficult for many, particularly if hunting public land. Even private land can hard to scout if distances are long or the property has multiple uses, such as farming.
Still, there are ways to scout without spooking game, or even setting foot on the property. Programs like onX Hunt and Google Earth provide topographical maps and satellite views. These work great for finding land features that funnel deer movements.
Hunters can also use binoculars and trail cameras to watch from afar. Trail cameras have really come far, as models, such as the Moultrie Edge 2, now use cellular service to send photos straight to phones.
Of course, sometimes it’s best to put boots on the ground. This gives a first-hand look at the property. It also provides insight to where deer are actually travelling, feeding, bedding, etc. Maps and images show where deer should be, boot leather shows where they are, as well as the reasons why.
Steyr Scout II
Jeff Cooper designed the basics behind the Scout Rifle. He wanted a powerful rifle that was quick to shoulder, aim and fire, but light enough to be versatile. The Steyr Scout II hits those margins. It’s available in five popular chamberings with a threaded, 19-inch, cold-hammer forged barrel, polymer stock and detattachable magazine. It also comes with spacers for adjusting length of pull and an optics rail. Most interesting, through, is the rifle’s flip up iron sights and integrated bipod.
Get in Shape
The prep that many hunters think of last is what they should think of first. And that is getting physically fit to go hunting. This is especially true if hunting public land where vehicle access might be limited.
Sure, a lot of hunting is conducted from stands, which are horribly named, and blinds. The only exertion is walking to and from the stand, possibly up and down a few hills. However, everything becomes much more strenuous after the trigger is pulled. Hunters need to ensure they can handle pulling the weight of a deer through the woods.
Even more, hunters need to make sure they can make the shot with hearts thumping with excitement or after moving quickly to get in position. This includes twisting, turning or even firing with the weak hand in control of the trigger. For these many reasons, hunters should get in some exercise before the season. In fact, it is best to at least do some walking throughout the year in prep for deer season.
Weatherby Mark V
The Mark V has been the flagship rifle of Weatherby since 1957. While the company has made minor improvements over the years, the action is mostly still the extremely strong original. It comes in 17 chamberings, including several Weatherby Magnums, with a sub-M.O.A. guarantee. It also comes with a flat-bottomed forend and ambidextrous palms swells for comfort, as well as threaded for attaching accessories. This is Weatherby’s most affordable rifle, especially for a high-quality firearm.
