*As supporters of Missouri’s Hunter Education program, the Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc. plays a major role in preventing hunting incidents. A Missouri Conservation Agent once said to a group of volunteer instructors, “No matter how many classes you teach we will never wipe out all hunting accidents. That’s just not possible. Another reality is, you will never know how many hunting accidents were avoided because of your efforts.”
For many of us who are seasoned hunters, we address the following steps in preparing for the season out of habit and in some cases from learned experience. We don’t always think about the difference we make in sharing this wisdom with young people and others new to hunting.
We are passionate about the outdoors, for sure. Consider how our efforts as conservation educators, safety instructors and mentors impact the generations after us and the future of hunting in Missouri.
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It seems that every bow hunter I speak with suffers from the same problem. As the days get shorter and the temperatures become more comfortable our thoughts turn to the upcoming bow season and we realize that once again, we are starting to prepare WAY too late.
Whether you’re an experienced bow hunter or just getting started, here are a few tips that can help you prepare for the upcoming season.
Button buck, photo by the author.
Physical Conditioning
Get your bow out – YESTERDAY!
Over the last several seasons, I’ve noticed that the 65-pound draw on my Allegiance bow keeps getting harder to draw each year. I’m just not maintaining the strength in my shoulder the way I did in my youth. Fellow MHHF Board Director Michael Sauber has been bow hunting all his life. He keeps several exercise bands scattered throughout his house. Starting in June he will pick up one of the bands throughout the day, draw it tight and hold for as long as he can. He’ll continue this practice all the way to the season.
I’ve stayed pretty active this spring and summer but my cardio routine has become very irregular. When I do find time to get on the elliptical, I’m huffing and puffing more than I did last winter. Time to ramp that up, too.
Stand Placement
At the end of the season, I start thinking about the following year and how I can increase my chance for success. At the top of this list is where I’ll put my stand. I walk around a bit and try to figure out what can be improved. I promise myself I’ll get back out in March or April, choose a new location, or just move to a slightly different tree in the same area. All I need to do is bring the saw out and clear some shooting lanes while the weather is still nice. Of course, here it is July and those plans were never executed. Does this sound familiar to you?
Now, regardless of the weather, I have to get out there with my chain saw. Oh, and I have a trail cam in a box that I’ve never used. This year it’s going to get used.
Treestand, photo by the author.
Checking Gear
I have a minimal tree stand for archery and a heavier, more comfortable stand for rifle season. I need to look these over to make sure they aren’t rusting out or missing parts. I’m also going to measure the foot tray on the bow stand. Last year it seemed uncomfortably small, especially while putting on my coveralls in the dark. To help avoid a fall, I’m going to look around for a new one with a bigger platform.
Did you know that the service period for your fall restraint device has an expiration date? You should check this before every season. Mine expires this year so I’ll need to order a new one.
I didn’t harvest a deer last year so my field dressing supplies should be in good shape… unless the mice got to them. I had to patch my backpack after the mice found the candy bars I left in it a couple of years ago.
Bow Practice
Several times last year I could have taken a shot but was not able to stand up from the seat without spooking my prey. This year I’ll continue with my usual routine of starting practice at 10 yards from the target, move to 15, then 20 and then 25. I’d like to see if I can increase my effective range beyond that if for no other reason than to build confidence. Sauber’s effective range is 40 yards, wow! I’d like to get there.
At 25 yards I’m shooting from an elevated position. Then I’m going to add something new, I’m going to practice from a seated position, experiment with different angles and so forth. Maybe this year I can take those shots.
If you have tips you’d like to share, send them to MHHF Executive Director, Colton Zirkle at execdir@mhhf.us. He’ll share them with others on our Facebook page. No matter how prepared we are, there’s no guarantee that we’ll harvest a deer. But by being better prepared, we can eliminate some of the variables we control.
Missouri’s archery deer and turkey hunting seasons run from September 15 to November 10, 2023 and November 22, 2023 to January 15, 2024.
To learn more about MHHF Youth Hunter Education Clinics, including possible bow hunting clinics, visit mhhf.us/clinics
by Lee Vogel
Co-Founder
Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Inc.