Advice for a new hunter.

If you’re just getting into archery or hunting, there are a lot of things that you should know. Hunting takes a lot of hard work and dedication, as well as practice and consistency. If you have a bow all set up, you need to make sure you have the correct form and practice constantly to keep everything in tune, not just your bow, but the archer. Before you start your hunting season, it is vital that you find the place where you want to set the stand and trim so you have shot opportunities, but not so much that you don’t have any natural cover. After you have the stand set, practice shooting with your hunting set up (arrows, broad heads, etc.) making as little movement and noise that you can. Know how far you can shoot accurately so you won’t injure an animal and know your target.

Also, if you don’t have warm clothing, get some. Even in the middle of the season, the weather can get nasty so be prepared. Sitting still for over an hour can be a lot colder than you originally thought. Find your warmest clothes for late season when the temperatures can drop below freezing, and if you get too cold, get down, and go back to your vehicle or camp. No buck is worth losing your hands for.

Another piece of advice that no-one can stress enough and it can save your life is ALWAYS wear a harness or vest that is approved by the Treestand Manufacturing Association if you are hunting from a treestand. Even if the law doesn’t require you to, I would recommend a hunter education course. They teach you safety, ethics, and how to be as successful as you can be. And if at all possible, hunt with a buddy, and have a method of communication like a cell phone or two-way-radio. These tips could possibly save your life.

Good luck on your hunt, and always be safe.