Most people spend their August soaking up the sun, trying to enjoy every moment of a summer that always feels too short. If you’re a hunter though, you probably start itching for fall as soon as August is underway, eager to begin the next season’s challenge. While you can’t get out onto the field just yet, there are a few ways you can prepare for the upcoming season and get excited about this year’s hunting adventures.
After you’ve booked your spot on a Lawrence Bay Lodge guided moose hunt, make your way through this list below to start getting ready for the new season!
Get your paperwork in order.
Before you can get out to the field, you need to make sure you are legally allowed to be there and hunt. Start looking at the updated requirements for the upcoming hunting season now, so you have plenty of time to get everything in order. This includes licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and any other required paperwork for the areas you frequent or plan to traverse. Once you have all your documents, keep them together and stored with your gear.
Research hunting areas.
Whether you’re returning to familiar places or trying somewhere new, you should always scope out the yearly conditions of the land on which you’ll be hunting. Use aerial photos, topographic maps and, if you can, try to actually get out to the field and have a look around.
As you’re surveying, think about where your target game is likely to be hiding, which land features can help or hinder you, and whether your skill level is a match for that location. Having this information ahead of time will help you develop a strategy to follow for success.
Check your equipment.
The last thing you want to do is get out onto the field and discover the screws in your gun are loose or your bow is broken. As part of your preparation, review your gear and see if you need to repair, add, or replace any parts or equipment. Take a few practice shots with your weapon and be sure to stock up on ammo. Make a checklist of the supplies you’ll need for your hunt and keep them organized and ready to go. A few items to include on your hunting checklist would be:
- Knife
- Knife sharpener
- Compass
- Flashlight/headlamp
- First-aid supplies
- Sleeping gear (for overnight trips)
- Batteries
- Emergency food/water
- Clothing and orange safety gear
Find out the best time to hunt your target.
The best time to hunt different game varies depending on the species you’re targeting and location you’re hunting. If you’re hunting for moose in Canada, for example, late September through mid-October is a prime time to take your shot. Although the season spans several months, this window is the typical moose rutting season, which means they’ll be more active and you’ll have a better chance at bagging a bull. If you’re hunting for Canadian deer though, their rut usually takes place in late November to early December.
As you’re deciding when to hunt, think about what level of challenge you’re looking for and how frequently you’ll be able to make it out that season. If you’ll only have a few opportunities to get to the field, you’ll probably want to plan to go during the period of highest activity for your game. If you’re pretty open for the season, you may decide to test your skill and try for a more challenging time.
Get in shape.
The most successful hunters are usually the ones who can keep up with game and cover a lot of ground in a day. If you’re not one for a regular gym routine, now would be a good time to start shaping up for the hunting season. Focus on your cardio to help build endurance for tracking, as well as strength so you can carry your gear and handle any game you take down. Don’t forget to do some training with your weapon too, to brush up on your skills.
Want something even more exciting to look forward to this hunting season? Book a guided moose hunt at Lawrence Bay Lodge! The moose hunting in our area of Saskatchewan is remarkable, with approximately 70% of our hunters having an opportunity to take a bull. Don’t miss out on a one-of-a-kind experience and challenge for your hunting skills.
Contact us today to make your reservation!
