Pre-Season Whitetail Preparation
points shoot arrows 90 to 95 percent the same way as the same arrow with a broad head, such as the 100-grain, 3-blade Muzzy point. A few days prior to Opening Day switch to broad heads when practicing. You may see a slight to signi cant di erence in arrow ight characteristics that require a slight re-tuning. This is the time to paper tune to get the cleanest hole possible. Some pre-season practice shooting should be done from a tree stand to accustom you to shooting from an elevated perch. Practice shooting from a tree stand at 3-D deer targets arranged at various angles, approaches, and distances is very helpful. Practice standing shots from a tree stand while leaning over the edge as well as while seated at uncomfortable angles. By limiting yourself to practice shooting with your feet standing on the platform of your tree stand, you enhance backyard shooting bene ts. Always start the season with fresh broad heads. Other bow hunting gadgets needing attention include your mechanical release. When practice shooting make sure you are entirely satis ed with the performance of this instrument. Tree stands need test runs up and down trees to nd squeaking, or metal rubbing against metal noise. Lubricate all moving parts and apply duct tape or a piece of rubber hose where metal-to-metal noise is a problem. Camou age wear is another Opening Day concern. Many do not adequately understand camou age wear. Naturally, we all wear this type of clothing, especially early in the bow hunting season. However, many bow hunters are not aware that as camou age clothing is worn and washed, like all printed fabric, it fades. Faded camou age is worse than ine ective it actually shows up too well in the woods. If your favorite camou age wear shows signs of fading, retire it for other uses. One of the last things I do is to ready my day pack. Its contents include my binoculars, xed blade hunting knife, gloves, face mask, insect repellent, pull rope, GPS unit, compass, note pad, pencil, ashlight, rst aid kit, water bottle, aspirin, and other useful items. This is one pre-season chore you can put o until a few days before Opening Day, but don't wait too long. Nothing is more aggravating than discovering the batteries in your ashlight are dead while you are standing at the back of your truck in pitch darkness. Getting yourself ready to hunt is as important as making sure your gear is in tip-top form. If you are not in at least reasonably good physical condition prior to hunting season, you will not get the most from your e orts. If you have not already started conditioning for the bow hunting season, by all means, start today. www.42outdoors.com