Over the next several weeks, temperatures are forecast to begin a slow descent to a much more pleasant setting, along with a steady decrease in humidity – both factors leading to the arrival of fall on September 21. Since time has a way of slipping by, let’s take a look at a few things to accomplish as the fall hunting seasons approach.

Cameras Out:

If you hope to pattern a buck or two for the upcoming archery season, then trail cameras should be in place along trail intersections, food plots, and near fall food sources. While the frequent rains we have been having will provide good water sources, mast crops are always a concern. Acorns, particularly those of the white oaks, are a prized food for deer, turkey, and bear. When you can find them, a productive beech tree grove is also a good place to focus your attention for trail cameras.

Fall Food Plots:

If you are planning to plant any fall food plots, the next few weeks will be the ideal time to plant so as to have them up and available for this fall’s turkey and deer seasons. Consider a mix that includes brassicas, rape, turnips, chicory, beets, both white and crimson clover, and buckwheat.

Mentoring Opportunities:

The statewide squirrel season begins Saturday, September 12, and runs through December 24; it starts again on December 26 and runs until February 28, 2027. With a daily limit of 6 and a possession limit of 18, squirrels provide an excellent opportunity for early fall hunting and the perfect scenario for mentoring either a youth or an adult. While squirrel hunting is not as popular as it once was, it remains one of the best opportunities to spend time teaching a new hunter about all facets of hunting safety, ethics, and responsibilities, along with the importance of patience, staying alert, and learning from watching other forms of wildlife. As a bonus, one of the most memorable and quite delicious aspects of squirrel hunting is the making of “squirrel pot pie” in an old cast iron Dutch oven.

Tree Stand Safety:

Sadly, every archery season there are reports of accidents involving bowhunters and the various tree stands they use. If you have ladder stands on private property, check them now to make sure the straps are still secure, and the shooting lanes are still clear. Checking them now will help avoid bumping or alerting deer closer to the season beginning. The cameras you have out will help determine if the old stand locations are still viable or if the stands need to be relocated before the season begins.

Equipment Check:

All too often, when you procrastinate looking over your equipment well before the season begins, you run the risk of not being able to make necessary repairs or find new replacements if needed. And then there is the issue that as you age, sometimes your belt size seems to get bigger and bigger! Hopefully, if you shop for some larger-size clothing now, you will avoid not being able to find it later!

Get to the Gym:

Yep! There it is – the final step that most of us think does not apply to us! But, if you are honest with yourself, you know it is the most important step to follow before you head to the woods, climb the hills, or have to drag a deer for any great distance. If you just want a doe or two for the freezer, it may not be as critical. But if your goal is to go deeper into the woods in search of a trophy buck, you really need to be in shape. Going to a local gym will allow access to all kinds of strength and cardiovascular equipment. If you don’t go to a nearby gym, you can still develop a workout routine on your own. Cardiovascular health is the most critical element if you are looking to get in better shape for hunting. Both your heart and your lungs may be asked to do a lot more than they are normally used to in many hunting scenarios you may encounter. Develop a walking or hiking routine, starting with a walk of 30 minutes or more twice a day. Increase the routine to one hour twice a day and increase the speed of the walk as your body allows.