How to prepare for archery season in 2020
Posted on: August 19, 2020 FHMDWith less than a month to spare, what are you doing to prepare for the up and coming archery season? Fish & Hunt Maryland knows that every hunter is counting down to getting back in the woods and chasing after the buck that slipped out of bow range last season. Below are a some tips to help you get ready for those moments that count—including a few ranges across Maryland where you can get in a little practice time.
Check your feathers and vanes
You may spend up to a thousand dollars outfitting yourself with a new bow, boots, packing equipment or a nice pair of binoculars, but don’t forget about your arrows. s. No matter your skill level, your arrows will never make it on target if their vanes or feathers are out of line or not intact. If you want accurate shots, make sure your vanes and feathers are in great shape, and if you’re shooting fixed blade broadheads, you’ll want to make sure that your broadheads are razor sharp instead.
Know your animal
Deer tend to have more of a routine in the early season. For example, they might always hit the woods and thickets during the morning hours, bed throughout the day and then hit the fields towards dusk. Hunters should learn and capitalize on deer behavior early in their sport. For the best shot, pun intended, spend time learning trails, following topographic maps, setting cameras and finding where the deer are feeding. Consider focusing on a certain group or one specific deer.
When scouting and walking through the woods, make sure you aren’t disturbing the paths and leaving too much of a scent. While not required, it’s a good idea for Hunters to cover with spray and wash their clothes with special detergents, such as sent free or odor blocking.
Conservation
Don’t be scared to hunt an early season doe and fill your freezer. Harvesting does helps control impact on habitat more so than harvesting bucks because each doe killed also eliminates the potential to reproduce. However, taking a buck eliminates only that deer and not necessarily potential offspring because other bucks will breed in its place. Doe harvesting helps balance the buck-to-doe ratio, which makes it easier to hunt and harvest mature or trophy bucks. This is because bucks must work harder and travel more to find a mate in areas with less does causing an increase in rut activity.
Always prioritize safety
Unfortunately, research shows that five to six thousand hunters are injured due to falling from tree stands each year. You should always use a safety harness when climbing into a tree. You’ll never know when your excitement will take over your judgement until it’s too late. Have a safety line to climb up and down in case you slip on a railing. Never carry a backpack or bag up the ladder. Instead, hoist it up with a rope to ensure stability when climbing.
Make the shot count
On average, a hunter spends a third of their season in the woods waiting for the hunting moment they’ve dreamt of. During the season, try to shoot your bow and practice as much as possible. Once the stars have aligned and the desired deer is in your sight, the goal is knowing and being confident in the shot. Like we talked about in the Six Things to Do While You’re Waiting for Next Deer Season, the trick of becoming more precise is through taking fewer shots at a time, setting the bow down to take a break and then continuing your practice later. Not taking countless shots is how the following technique transfers into hunting. Real hunters plan ahead while attempting their shot. It is important to make each shot count.
Be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online for more information on seasons and regulations before heading out!
In need of additional inspiration? Check out Fish & Hunt Maryland’s latest articles written by fellow sportsmen and local partners.
When you’re planning your next trip, check out the Plan Your Trip section of the Fish & Hunt Maryland’s website to find lodging, fishing charters/guides, and outdoor retailer options.
Be sure to acquire your license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before heading out. Visit our Plan Your Trip page for information on fishing charters and guides, lodging options, marinas, retailers, and more.
You can purchase your Maryland License online, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Be sure to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources online for more information on seasons and regulations before heading out!
In need of additional inspiration? Check out Fish & Hunt Maryland’s latest articles written by fellow sportsmen and local partners.
When it’s time to travel again and you’re planning the next trip, check out the Plan Your Trip section of the Fish &Hunt Maryland’s website to find lodging, fishing charters/guides, and outdoor retailer options.
