During spring and summer, deer season can seem like a long way off – but it’s not. This time can be dreadful, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t get me wrong, I somewhat enjoy the break, doing other things such as spending time with my wife, travel and catching up with chores around the house. I’m not real sure about that last one. I also love to fish, but once the brutal Texas summer heat hits, even that can be a chore. Despite other hobbies and obligations, deer hunting fanatics can’t help but look forward to the fall. There are many productive activities that, if done can enhance success during the upcoming season. Of course we already know this but often don’t follow through. Not a season goes by that I don’t regret not tending to some to-dos that could have improved my hunting situation. Here are just a few things that will enhance your upcoming hunting experience and even to push the odds in your favor.
Tend to Those Blinds Think of your blinds and stands as your house. Consider how much time you spend in and on them. Comfort is important. Not only do you want them to hold up, 
it’s important to ensure they’re where you want them. The off-season is the optimal time to relocate them. On the family property I’m blessed to hunt, we typically build our own blinds rather than buy them. This means that we have to intermittently fix them as needed. For example, a wall panel or floor might need to be repaired or replaced. Where legal and applicable, the same goes for feeders. A couple of summer work weekends at the deer lease go a long way toward addressing such needs. I can think of many past hunts when I sat there wishing I had.
Bargain Hunt Both Spring and Summer are open season for great deals on hunting gear for big game. Hunting apparel, in particular is often marked down rather substantially. Check out all of the big box stores, such as Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Academy and Walmart. Important gear can be found at great prices both online and in the store. This really comes in handy for expensive items you’ve been considering, such as bows and firearms. This also provides an opportunity to field test them prior to the season.
Post Season Scouting and Planning Whether on large or small properties, season’s end offers a great opportunity to scout and pinpoint locations and patterns of deer movement. Creek crossings and fencelines are great places to look. Shed hunting can also help to locate familiar, as well as new bucks in your area. The same can be said for rubs and scrapes. You never know what you might see. This homework can tell you a lot about where you might want to hunt next season. As mentioned above, this is an ideal time to move blinds and stands to new locations. It’s certainly better than doing it at mid-season.
Game Cameras and Image Management Keep some, if not all of your trail cameras operable. Extending trail camera use during this period can have a profound impact on the upcoming season. This technology can allow you to, among other things, see which bucks made it through the season.
You might even see a new one or two, which is always a pleasant surprise. If it’s legal in your state, draw in deer to camera sites with protein feed or deer attractant in either granular or block form. At the very least, go through and organize all images from the past season. This can be a daunting task, but very beneficial. Before you do anything, take the time to label your SD cards. Otherwise, the trial and error can be maddening. This is especially helpful when managing more than one camera. If you’re anything like me, it’s not a good idea to rely on memory. Put into practice some sort of organization method. There are a multitude of ways to do this, so don’t get hung up on it – just do it. At a minimum, create folders by camera. From there, drill it down as far as you’re willing to. The more the better. It’s good to have folders by month, daytime and nighttime. This makes subsequent searches easier and faster. I also like to cull as many photos as possible. This can be done on either the front or back end of the process.
Predator Control Predator hunting is a win win for the deer hunter. Coyotes alone are the leading killer of newborn whitetail deer fawns. That alone should be enough motivation for hunting them. Putting a dent in the predator population reduces their impact on whitetail deer, not to mention some livestock. Hunting coyotes, bobcats and foxes is a real challenge, as they have keen senses. Therefore, predator hunting provides an effective way to test and sharpen your stealthness and marksmanship. Oh, and it’s fun.
Cross Hairs and Sight Pins My main rifle is always seems to be on. It’s a good thing, because I’m real good at talking myself out of sighting it in. This basic task often goes undone. Truth be told, I’m not a good enough shot to let this one go – not even close. The same goes for bow practice. Like with firearms, repetition is key to consistent bow shooting. Additionally, sight pins can be pretty unforgiving and the slightest movement can result in errant shots. 
There are too many things that can go wrong in the field not to avoid some of the basics. Take it a step further and simulate the shots you’ll be taking in the field. For me, ground blinds in particular can yield some pretty awkward sitting shots. Take the time to grab a chair and let a few fly from different sitting positions. Remember that nearby deer often don’t allow you to move to the perfect position. If you have a new weapon, off-season practice is especially essential. As mentioned above, predator hunting presents a good to hone your skills. The irony is that shooting is a fun way to spend time with friends or make new ones. There are many reasons not to talk yourself out of practice. These are just a few tactics to consider, as there are many more. Others include land management activities, networking with hunting neighbors and lease shopping. With life’s many obligations, it’s not reasonable to achieve all of them, so pick a few and get started. Put the odds in your favor with a little preparation. Don’t rely on luck.
