September and October is a magical time for most people – the summer doldrums are over; the kids have headed back to school; the air is just a little crisper; the forest is changing and showing off some colour… and for hunters, the excitement of pursuing our favourite species is just beginning.
Whether it’s upland game birds (Grouse & Wild Turkeys) or waterfowl (Ducks & Geese) or big game (Moose, Deer or Bear) there are lots of little things to do in order to prepare for a successful season.
Regardless if you’re a man or woman, the anticipation and excitement can be so great that we can hardly sleep the week before Opening Day!
We rummage through our gear stashes and firearms lockers looking for our hunting clothes & blaze orange hats and vests; we clean & check our firearms and bows for safe operation; we assess our ammunition & arrow supplies; we set up our targets and sight-in to ensure our shots will result in clean and ethical harvests; knives get sharpened; and the list goes on – compass; radios; rangefinder; GPS Unit; maps… etc. etc.
Once the gear is all together, scouting is also an important aspect of success. If possible, spend some time out where you plan to hunt and look for the tell-tale signs… tracks, antler rubs, scrapes… gather as much intel and information as you can in order to plan your hunt.
For me, personally, I love “calling” hunts… where you learn to imitate the sounds of game species in order to attract them to your calling location. But remember, yes, ‘practice does make perfect’!
There is nothing more satisfying than a successful outing, and spending time with family and friends in the woods.
But remember… hunters are not the only people enjoying the woods in the fall. Be respectful of hikers and trekkers, and let’s be safe as we all venture out “Into the Woods”.
