Season Preparations
Jeremy Davis Created Outdoors Staff
As the summer comes to an end here in the United States, we start to finalize all of our preparations for the coming hunting seasons. We think back and reminisce on the memories of the summer months, and look forward to the memories to come. There are some things that you can do that will assist in your success in the field. Here are some things that we do here at Created Outdoors.
Preparation is key, it doesn’t matter whether it is waterfowl, deer, or turkey. There are some similarities to the preparation stages, such as scouting. Time spent driving and watching where the ducks and geese are landing can provide a great deal of intel for set-up. Same goes for deer and turkey, as you drive around and see them in the fields feeding. This gives a timeline for show times, locations, and how many animals are frequenting these areas.
Trail cameras are another great tool for scouting, especially for deer. We use Moultrie cameras here at Created Outdoors. The clarity and quality of the Moultrie cameras are amazing. Hang them overlooking trails, food plots, and mineral and/or bait sites. Domain Outdoors Stockpile and the Moultrie cams are a deadly combination! This covers all of the avenues that the deer will be frequenting, except for their bedding areas. We try steer clear of bedding areas, this allows the deer somewhere to stay comfortable on your properties.
Planting food for waterfowl, deer, and turkey can help keep them on your hunting properties. The seed of choice for Created Outdoors is Domain Outdoors seed. Domain offers up a huge selection. There are options for spring planting such as clover, corn, soy beans, and millet. Fall planting would consist of winter wheat, turnips and radishes. Start by clearing the area you plan to utilize for the plots. Spray the weeds, this will prevent the weeds from choking out your seeds. Till the soil after allowing the weed killer some time to do its job, add some fertilizer, and then till again, to mix the fertilizer into the soil. Next step is planting. Using seeds that have a water retention coating can boost your growth success.
Choosing the crop will be dependent on your target species and water sources. Corn, soy beans, and clover are good for deer, waterfowl, and turkey. Turnips and radishes are a great winter attractant for deer. Millet and winter wheat can also be especially attractant to waterfowl. It is important to remember that food plots and crop fields must be harvested 10 days prior to hunting for waterfowl in most states. Here in Ohio, we are allowed to bait deer with minerals and feed as well, we mostly utilize corn. However, if you plan to hunt turkey in the fall from your tree stand, bait must be non-existent for 10 days prior to hunting. So, check your local laws on what is permitted, and not permitted.
Use of decoys for these species can be beneficial as well. It is important to keep them clean. Dirty decoys can scare game, as they would take the time to clean themselves if they were live animals. It may be a good idea to clean them, and touch up the paint and/or flocking prior to the season. This will also make it easier to clean as you go. Keeping them clean throughout the season will ensure their effectiveness. Decoying deer can be a bit tricky. It really depends on the deer, some will commit and others will be standoffish, but a clean decoy will help your odds.
Checking that calls are clean, and not broken or dry rotted is always a good idea. Keeping these clean throughout the season will also help prevent damage. Most hunters do not keep in practice with their calling throughout the off season. So, now is the time to get back into the groove. I like to start practicing a few months out from the start of the season. Calling in the car if you get to work a few minutes early, or prior to heading back into the house will save your loved one’s from having to listen to the loud sounds. Practice while watching the burn pile in the yard, or cutting the grass. I like to practice where ever I can safely.
When we look at proverbs 24:27 “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.” This is the same concept for preparation to hunting season. Putting in the hard work will pay dividends. We hope that you enjoy this article, and that it helps you enjoy your season preparation. I have included the link to Moultrie and Domain below, so you can use what we use. Also, remember to send prayer requests to the emails below.
Until next time, God Bless.
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Evan Gersper
Created Outdoors Staff