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It's finally here, the first day of Fall. The time all outdoors people who live to hunt wait for. The acorns are starting to drop, there's a different smell in the air and hunting anticipation is growing daily.
This annual date is a great addition to your calendar as a yearly reminder for deer lease maintenance. Even if you own your own land this rule still applies. Mark it on your calendar to help plan and also help you remember each year. You can use it as an excuse to get out in the woods and start soaking up the glorious Fall environment.
Here's a list of a few important tasks to take care of and some that you may have forgotten.
Take care of the deer stands. Most deer blinds will need some repair, cleaning up and cleaning out after several months in the outdoors weathering whatever the elements throw at it. Many of us leave the deer stand for the last time in January with a big sigh while making sure we close the windows and latch the door securely. That's probably the sum total of the deer stand preparation for the next seven to eight months. Although we might consider it safe and secure and proper shut down procedures, mother nature, insects that love to occupy dry places and animals looking for that cozy little home will prove us wrong in our assumption. Our favorite little red winged stinging demons from Hades will sure enough occupy closed up box blinds. Be sure to have some wasp spray, gasoline, flame throwers or whatever else you feel necessary to kill these tiny speeding red painful missiles.
If you haven't all ready set out trail cameras, be sure to get them out and operating. The cooler weather not only jumps starts us but the deer love it as well. The hogs also get a pep in their step and getting the cameras out gives you a better opportunity to identity patterns for both. Trails cameras also help identify areas where not to hunt because of inactivity. They are a great resource and tool especially when hunting with young ones. A well placed trail camera will give you the confidence needed to take that young one for the first time in hopes of seeing his or her first deer.
Once you identify deer patterns it's a good idea to keep them there by providing a food source. Deer feeders from last year may need to be repaired, moved to new locations, new batteries, new paint, or many other time consuming chores. It's legal in Texas to hunt with feeders. We hear a lot of grumbling from our northern friends about the fairness question or advantage to hunters. Texas harvests more deer annually than nearly all other states total deer population combined. Deer feeders are a positive impact on hunting in Texas in many ways. We should keep them operating properly and use the tool TPWD has deemed a legal means.
Clean your guns and get to the gun range. Most seasoned outfitters will tell you the number one reason hunters miss their target is because they are unfamiliar with their gun. If you will take the time to clean it and shoot it you will find yourself much more comfortable when that moment of truth presents itself. The shooting ranges are filling up fast so get out there and get some rounds through paper. When November 7th rolls around, you'll be glad you did.
This is a very short list of to do's for the first day of Fall for your hunting property. Many of you already have the majority, if not all of these done. If not, these are the basics to get to right away. Enjoy this upcoming deer season. Be safe and make some memories.
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