We all know it’s not a good idea to procrastinate. In fact, there are rarely any occasions when it is a good idea to wait until the very last minute to do what you know simply has to be done. The benefits of accomplishing tasks early far outweigh any poor excuses for delaying that which you know is best done early. So, think about this:

Mentoring a Youth or Adult:

If you are a squirrel hunter or are looking for the ideal time to mentor a new hunter, be they a youth or adult, there is no better season than the upcoming fall squirrel season, which opens on September 13, 2025 — just about five weeks from now. There is a Junior Hunt which runs from September 13-27 and a regular statewide season that runs from September 13 to November 28, with an additional split season running from December 15 to February 28, with no hunting of squirrels on December 25.

For Pennsylvania deer hunters, specifically archery hunters, the antlered and antlerless statewide season opens on October 4, 2025, and runs through November 21, 2025. A second season opens the day after Christmas and runs until January 19, 2026. Bear hunters throughout the state will have opportunities to hunt these bruins as early as mid-October.

All of these seasons and the opportunities that they provide are going to be upon us before we realize it! While the really dedicated hunters are aware of the rapidly approaching seasons, most of us are also busy with summertime activities and chores. As the days silently drop off the calendar and the weeks slowly slip away, there are a few things we should be doing now in the way of preparation.

Trail Cameras:

Pre-season scouting is a crucial element of success, especially when trying to locate and pattern a trophy buck, bear, or gobbler. Most hunters today are busy individuals, often with little time to devote to pre-season scouting, despite recognizing the benefits of scouting before the season’s opening days to identify prime hunting spots. For years now, trail cameras have become an increasingly popular tool and, in fact, are probably the most effective tool to use in pre-season scouting. With today’s innovations and features, cameras can be quickly placed in strategic locations and then monitored on your smartphone or home computer. If a camera is not yielding the results you hope for, it can quickly and easily be relocated to another spot you want to monitor. But the key to successful use of trail cameras is to get them out and in use — and the sooner the better!

Food Plots:

Today’s archery hunters in pursuit of big game are arguably the most dedicated and highly motivated men and women throughout the hunting community. They are generally more apt to do the research, go the greater distance, and pay close attention to every little detail that could possibly affect the outcome of a hunt. Food plots, especially when tucked away in a woodland setting, remotely located from disturbance from other hunters, can dramatically increase the odds for success for bow hunters (and rifle and shotgun hunters as well). But food plots take time to come to maturity, and the window of opportunity for planting is now!

There are dozens of seed mixes available from numerous seed companies — from clovers and chickory to brassicas and rape to beets and radishes — and the “what, where, and how” may vary widely from one mix to the next. The key is to consult with your local seed mix provider, discuss your goals, and obtain their advice on what and when to plant. It’s also crucial to realize that the planting time may be closing in.

Equipment Check:

There is little doubt that most archers have been busy practicing and improving their shooting skills already, and that the majority of firearm hunters tend to wait until the last minute to take a shot or two before heading out on a hunt! Unfortunately, procrastination can lead to the last-minute discovery that one or more of the critical components of your hunting equipment needs repair, replacement, or simply can’t be located! Take a moment now to verify the integrity of the equipment you plan to use this fall. This way, you can relax knowing you are in good shape and have the time for any necessary repairs or replacements over the next few months. Plan and prepare now — you’ll be glad later that you did.