Outdoor enthusiasts, have you considered joining in on the sporting adventures, harvested meals and the connection to our heritage that bowhunting can provide? Join a newsletter that 96 percent of last year’s subscribers said provided help and enthusiasm in their preparation for a new hobby. Sign up to receive a series of monthly “Bowhunter by Fall” emails between now and the opening of archery season that will help you overcome common barriers.
Steps for July
Finding a place to hunt: If you don’t have access to land for hunting, consider hunting on public land. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s public hunting program offers chances to hunt on over 1 million acres of publicly accessible land located throughout Texas. Programs such as mentored hunts and Hunting 101s can also provide opportunities.
Scouting your hunt: When you have identified a place to hunt, you will need to find the game you are targeting. “E-Scouting” uses electronic resources, apps, maps, websites and social media to get an overview of the property and hunting locations. Highlight the areas that provide the best opportunity for game encounters. Deer favor “edge” areas, where two or more habitats meet, such as a cedar thicket and a meadow. If you can, you should physically go to the property ahead of the hunting season to test your theories and scout, looking for deer sign that will indicate where they will be during the hunting season.
Steps for August
Practicing: You should practice with your bow and arrows as much as you safely can, and you should mix up your approach. Practice at the distances that you are most likely to see your game when you are in your blind or stand. Change up your shooting stance depending on whether you’ll be sitting in a blind or stalking prey.
Shot placement: For the new bowhunter, it is critical to wait to shoot until the right opportunity arises and to know where to aim to hit the vital organs. Study animal anatomy and behavior to get the fastest, most humane kill.
Steps for September
Final preparations: With archery season opening in October, it’s time to organize your gear to ensure that you have the essentials. Create and share your hunt plan. In late September, there’s a final chance to do some scouting. Read up on how to track game and field-dress a deer.
