Wis Deer Hunting Coming Fast.......Have You Prepared?

[GatorBait]

A mere 2 months down the road, Bowhunters across the Badger State will be taking off for their favorite pre-rut areas in hopes to evade mosquitoes and find their choice of a shooter.

For me, this year I have my eyes set on one buck in which I let go last year in hopes he would survive another year. Well, after finding his shed's this past early spring, I can't wait to find him on the camera. I already have my camera's set in hopes of finding a common route for the deer coming out of the marsh. All my fields are on their recovery year so food source will be limited to a good acorn season. This definately plays in my favor as the corn last year through me for a loop.

Stand preparation will be next on my to-do list as soon as the sweltering days of summer pass by and I can get out to the woods w/o being carried away. The few perm's that I have set up shouldn't be much of a hassle, but I am looking at marking some new hanger trees on a few funnels that I know of.

Bow Setup - If it's been 8months since you've seen her, you better open the case and do some inspections. 2 years ago I waited till the last minute and found mice got into my case and chewed my string. Ouch! Check to make sure everything is tightened up, check your release loops, kissers, peeps, sight and arrow rests. With our new area 3D archery setup and running I've been able to go out and practice alot which is highly recommended for anyone that lives near one. I've been able to ensure my sights are where I want them at certain distances and that my bow is fine tuned so I don't have any surprises when I let that arrow fly on a deer.

Equipment - If you kept that broadhead last year that gave you a successful year and figured you'd re-use it again, take the time to sharpen it up or simply replace it. Check to make sure all your vanes are still intact and that your knocks are secure. Grab a backpack and fill it up with all your supplies. I put everything in my bag that may save me from loosing a day of hunting. Things such as allen wrenches, extra peeps, string wax, broadhead wrench, extra broadheads, along with my knives, gloves, face paint, flashlight, zip ties, drag rope, scents, calls and my thermacell w/extra packets.

Camo - Now I'm not your diehard scent elimination hunter, but I do what my pocketbook can let me. I have a nice set of scentblocker camo that is comfortable and gives me a chance at not being detected. Comfort and patterns are higher on my list than scent detection. It's part of the challenge from my point of view. I'll be sure to toss them in the dryer and get them activated. I'll also make sure to toss in my scent away sprays in the bag for good measure. Have no real clue if it works or I'm just that good at playing the wind. Who knows.

All in all, I'm pretty excited for this year and hope everyone else is too. Nothing beats sitting in the stand where all your worries disappear and it's nothing but you and mother nature.

How have you or will you prepare for the upcoming bow season?