Hunting season is almost here and if you haven’t already started your preseason regime you are already behind. Here are 5 essential preseason tips to help you become a more effective and ethical hunter—whether you’re using a bow, rifle, or shotgun this fall:

1. Dial in Your Weapon — Practice Like You Hunt

Bow: Practice from various angles, distances, and elevations. Shoot in the gear you’ll wear in the field (jacket, gloves, etc.).

Rifle: Sight-in at your expected shooting distances (100–300 yards is common). Practice steadying your shot off sticks, bipods, or natural rests.

Shotgun: Pattern your shotgun using the actual load you’ll hunt with (especially for waterfowl or turkey). Test different chokes and loads for consistent shot spread.

For Slug guns and muzzleloaders make sure you are dialed in also knowing your comfortable range for each weapon.

 Pro tip: Simulate field conditions as closely as possible—standing, kneeling, or resting against a tree.

2. Scout Early and Often

Use a combination of trail cameras, glass, and boots-on-the-ground scouting to understand animal patterns.

Identify bedding, feeding, and travel corridors. Use topographic maps or apps like OnX or HuntStand to mark potential ambush spots.

Don’t over-scout one area—rotate locations to avoid pressuring wildlife.

Read our article called “Why Pre-Scouting Now Sets You Up for a Successful Fall”, for more information.

 Bonus: Look for fresh sign like droppings, tracks, rubs, and feathers.

3. Prep and Check All Your Gear

Bowhunters: Inspect strings, cams, broadheads, and your release. If you are thinking about changing your strings on your bow or crossbow, get it done now because everyone is thinking the same thing as well.

Rifle hunters: Clean your rifle, check your scope’s zero, and test ammo for consistency.

Shotgun hunters: Check for any rust, debris, or barrel issues. Cycle your action multiple times.

 Don’t forget: Boots broken in? Rangefinder charged? Headlamp working? Check your pack, outfits for all seasons, and get them outside to get that outdoor smell into them. 

Pro Tip: If you have ticks in your area grab some tick spay before the season starts.

4. Know the Wind and Thermals

Success often comes down to scent and wind direction.

Understand morning vs. evening thermals in your hunting area.

Practice accessing your stand or blind without being winded.

Use scent control or natural cover scents, and always have a wind checker on you. 

 Tip: Map your entry/exit routes based on prevailing winds. Writing these things down could make or break your day, so check your notes especially if you are hunting a new property.

5. Sharpen Your Mindset and Fieldcraft

Study animal behavior. Know what deer, elk, or ducks do before they come into range.

Practice patience, stillness, and silence—the best hunters succeed not because of gear, but discipline.

Prepare mentally for long sits, close calls, or missed chances—and know how to bounce back.

 Discipline off the field leads to success on the field. Make sure to also check your stands and blind for any obstructions. Plants grow throughout the year and might need to be cut down from a previous shooting lane. Plan well and success becomes easier.