Critical Hunting Season Prep: Bullets and Boots
July is already here and the time is growing short before the 2016 hunting seasons begin. As you count down the days to your next big hunting adventure, don’t forget a few critical things that need to happen before your hunt begins. When it comes to your weapon and your boots, waiting until August means waiting too long.
Practice with Your Weapon
First, it’s critical that you practice as much as possible with your weapon in the time leading up to your hunt. If you hunt with a rifle or with a bow, there’s no replacement for time spent practicing. In the remaining time before your hunt, you want to build confidence in your ability to make a good shot within your ethical and effective range. The last thing you want on your hunt is surprises.
Ask any hunting guide, and he can tell you a story of a hunter’s severe disappointment at blowing a shot. And most of these disappointments could have been avoided with enough practice and preparation. On the flip side of that coin, a shot that is well placed can be one of the best moments in the field for any hunter. Before this year’s hunt, spend whatever time you need at the range to feel completely confident and prepared.
Put On Your Boots
One of the most critical things on your pre-hunting season checklist should be putting on your boots. If you are preparing for a British Columbia hunt, or any hunt that will require putting some miles on your boots, get into them now. Don’t wait until the week before your hunt to discover hot spots, pinch points or anything else that might cause you discomfort or blisters in the field.
If you were thinking of buying new boots in advance of this year’s hunt, don’t wait. A quality pair of boots shouldn’t require a long break-in period. But you need plenty of time to check and make sure that your new boots are comfortable and don’t give you blisters.
Do the same thing with the rest of your clothing and gear. Boots are the most critical piece to start wearing well in advance of your trip. But we’d recommend that you begin trying out all of your other clothing and equipment. When it’s time to make it count, you will want to have complete confidence in your setup.
If you have any questions about preparing for your 2016 hunt, please feel free to send us a message. For more information about our British Columbia hunts, please check out the rest of our website at KawdyOutfitters.com.
Written by Ryan McSparran
Ryan McSparran is an outdoor writer, a hunting and fly fishing guide, and very proud to be a part of the Kawdy Outfitters team.