Montana Woods N Water July 2016 Print Edition | Page 4

HUNTING

Start Getting Ready by Raf Viniard

In less than sixty days Grouse is on the menu . A few days after that , it will be time to hit the forest in hopes of launching an arrow down range at a big bull elk , deer or bear . Oh it gets better … a few days after archery season opens , fall bear firearm season opens .
Summer time is very busy and hot so most are not in the hunting mode or planning phase . Between the many summer events , family outings , vacations , fairs and the never ending list of homesteading chores that needs to be done such as home repairs , wood cutting , fence mending , haying , gardening , canning , huckleberry picking and the like makes the summer go by really fast . Hunting season slips up fast !
The long hot days of summer just seems to take its toll and by September I am ready to hit the woods to soak up the cool fall air and take in the Montana Mountain ’ s fall beauty . Planning for the upcoming hunting season is just as much fun as the hunting itself . By September I have hopefully done my pre-season scouting , checked the game cameras , tuned the bow , checked my rifle and readied the fishing gear to snag a bucket full of salmon .
So what is really needed to be done in July and August ?
Start studying your maps and satellite images of the areas you plan on hunting . Has or is the area you plan on hunting been timbered or burned ? Has something in the area changed from last year . Lay some foot work and learn your area ( s ) topography .
Start developing a plan and a tentative schedule as to your fall hunting adventures . The rest of your family or co-workers might have plans that conflict with yours or vice versa . Money may need to be set aside for trips and other expenses such as new equipment , travel , tags , etc . The summer is the best time to try and make some extra cash with side jobs .
Get those game cameras out , they could save you a lot of steps and glassing . Be sure and position them looking north if possible to prevent sunrise / sunset glare and fogging . Think about securing them in a box if you are placing them near a high traffic area .
If you hunt from a tree stand , check it over to make sure it is safe and does not need any repairs . Double check that safety belt as well . Clear shooting lanes and hiking trails now .
Inspect all your hunting clothes , boots and hunting accessories , such as binoculars , spotting scopes , rifle scopes , reload or purchase ammo as needed . Sharpen up the knife and check your survival equipment . Replace or purchase new items as needed . If you are a bowhunter , pull that bow out and get it to your local bow shop for an inspection to make sure all the cables , strings , cams , etc . are in good shape and safe to use . Don ’ t wait until the week before season opens … you might not get it back in time for opening day . Check those arrows for straightness , cracks , splinters , lost or missing fletching ’ s . Make sure your broadheads are razor sharp .
Practice , Practice , Practice . Practice awkward shooting positions and attend as many local 3D shoots that you can to hone your shooting skills and distance judging .
Check that hunting rig over and make sure it will be ready for the many miles of rough rocky mountain roads you may be traveling . Start budgeting for extra fuel costs . If you use ATV ’ s make sure they are ready as well . If you use a camper or tent make sure they are clean , stocked , in good repair and ready to use .
Start dehydrating some fruits and making some jerky for fall snacks . Go to your local thrift stores and stock up on snacks and quick meals .
If you have kids that will be hunting with you this year , get them involved in the scouting , planning and prepping . They learn by watching , listening and doing just as you do .
Get in shape and if you need a physical … go see the doctor and make sure you are ready for the fall adventures or an exercise regimen .
Check your license and tags and make sure they are all current . Read and re-read the regulations to make sure you are aware of any changes or new rules / laws .
Clean out the freezer by BBQing , canning or dehydrating any extra meat from last year . Start making room … think positive !
Not last , but very important ... spend time with your family and friends before the pace of hunting season is upon you . Guys take care of Momma or that girlfriend , she will become a hunting widow in a few days .
Most of all when you are at church on Sunday keep talking to the man upstairs asking that you , your friends and family will have a safe and bountiful year . Never take a day with the family , in the woods or on the water for granted . Every day is a gift from the man upstairs .
Start getting ready now , your winter meals may just depend on it !
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