There it is again — that crisp, fall smell which permeates the air and forewarns us of another winter coming. In earlier times, recognizing this unique time of year played a large role in our survival by encouraging the responsibility of a final “push” to prepare ourselves for winter. With a simple sniff, our ancestors may have been compelled to solidify food stores, reinforce structures and dwellings, and secure proper tools and materials for the darker days which lay ahead.
However, having participated in such a luxurious society, most of these fundamental responsibilities have become shamefully obsolete, leaving me only one thought while I study the raw autumn air as it flows down my airways and expands into my lungs: it’s almost deer season!
To keep fellow hunters on track, I created a checklist of things to do before opening day comes and we all find ourselves using “I don’t have my stuff ready” as an excuse to hunker down into flannel sheets and fluffy, down comforters.
Reloading – Prepare all your cartridges for the upcoming season. Make sure you have enough rounds and they are all free of inconsistencies and defects.
Sight your rifle – Select a distance that suits your method of hunting and the terrain you’ll be walking. I like to place my shots 1” above center at 100 yards. Be sure to sight your gun in with cartridges identical to the ones you’ll be using in the field or you’ll be disappointed when you shoot at an illusive buck and it disappears into a thicket unscathed.
Gather equipment – Don’t waste time looking for that grunt call or cover scent, get everything together in a convenient place (a place away from toddlers and curious pets).
Wash your gear – I like to use a detergent made to eliminate odors. Store your clothing and boots outside in a dry place or in a tote lined with spruce bows.
Have a plan – Don’t put hunting on a back burner and commit only to spontaneous, evening excursions behind the house. Have a mental list of places you want to explore this year, and if you have the time, do some scouting. Also, if you have a portable tree-stand of some type, be sure to set it up ahead of time to give the deer a couple weeks to get used to it being in the woods. Nothing says “stay out of this area” like a smelly, man-made contraption suddenly thrust into the natural elements of the forest.
Hunting in Maine is as fun as you are willing to make it. If you can roll out of bed in the morning and find your way to the coffee pot, the hardest part is over. Follow these five simple steps and you’ll be much more prepared when this November comes around. As most of you know, the month of deer season goes by quickly, so you might as well take advantage of the 25 days the State of Maine provides us. Personally, I’m anxious to get jerky on the racks, deer (meat)balls in the pasta, and sirloin steaks sizzling on a camp frying-pan. I better go, I’ve got lots to do—Happy hunting!
