Summer's Bounty: Setting the Stage for a Trophy Fall Hunting Season

Written by HLRBO - Alexandra Carter| 7/2/2023

With the lazy, hazy days of summer upon us, both deer and hunters tend to shift into a slower gear. The abundance of food and the absence of rut-related worries make it a relaxed season for deer. For hunters, it might be tempting to follow suit, soaking up the sun and postponing thoughts of hunting until the temperature drops. However, for those with their sights set on a hefty trophy come fall, summer is far from a time of rest. Instead, it becomes a bustling period of groundwork, a time to strategically plan and prepare for the upcoming hunting season.

The Hunter's Summer Manifesto: 10 Tasks to Gear Up for Fall

To help you maximize this off-season and set the stage for a successful fall hunting season, HLRBO has compiled a checklist of essential tasks. Investing in these during the summer will ensure that when deer season rolls around, you're not just ready but well ahead of the pack.

1. Scout Your Hunting Grounds

Summer is an ideal time to familiarize yourself with the deer's summer patterns in your hunting area. From identifying popular feeding areas to potential bedding sites, understanding the deer's behavior during the off-season can give you a head start when the hunting season commences.

2. Check and Maintain equipment

Discovering faulty equipment on the first day of the hunting season is a nightmare scenario. Summer provides ample time for you to inspect, repair, and maintain your gear.

3. Install and Check Trail Cameras

Trail cameras offer invaluable insights into deer behavior and movement. Use the summer to set up new cameras or check on existing ones, ensuring they're in perfect working order for the upcoming season.

4. Establish Food Plots

Establishing a well-placed food plot can be like setting up a deer magnet. If feasible, set up food plots during the summer months. They not only provide sustenance for the deer but also become predictable spots where deer are likely to gather.

5. Enhance Shooting Skills

Your shooting skills, much like any other skill, need regular practice to remain sharp. Use the off-season to refine your shooting techniques, ensuring that you're ready to take your best shot when the big buck shows up.

6. Plan Your Hunting Strategies

Based on the information gleaned from scouting and trail cameras, start planning your hunting strategies for different scenarios. This planning should include everything from selecting stand locations, planning entry and exit routes, to deciding when and where you'll hunt.

7. Physical Conditioning

Hunting demands physical fitness. A regular exercise routine during the summer ensures you're physically up to the task when the physically taxing hunting season begins.

8. Study Hunting Regulations

Hunting regulations may change from year to year. Make it a point to study and familiarize yourself with the local hunting laws and regulations for the upcoming season.

9. Get Your Permits

Secure your hunting permits well in advance to avoid the last-minute scramble. This ensures that all the required paperwork is sorted out long before the season starts.

10. Mentally Prepare

Hunting involves a significant mental component. Use the summer to visualize various hunting situations and your responses. This mental rehearsal can be invaluable when you're in the field.

HLRBO Can Help

At HLRBO, our mission is to fuel your passion for hunting and aid in making every season a memorable one. Whether you're an experienced hunter honing your strategies, or a novice beginning your hunting journey, we're equipped with the resources you need for a triumphant hunt. From abundant hunting insights to comprehensive guides, our resources are designed to help you make the most of your off-season preparations.

But that's not all! Why not use this summer to secure the perfect hunting spot for the next season? Browse through HLRBO’s extensive selection of hunting leases and find your ideal hunting ground for the upcoming season. Trust us. When fall rolls around, you'll be glad you did.