At the end of every hunting season, you no doubt think of all the things you’ll do next year to improve your results. The problem is that it’s all too easy to forget about making productive changes right up until the new season starts, and by then it’s often too late! All hunters have different goals that they want to accomplish, but it’s very easy to get that sense of regret as the season ends and you haven’t quite reached your personal goals. If you want to have a more productive winter hunting season, here are the key things to remember.
1. Locate New Public Land
No matter what time of year you prefer to hunt, finding new public land should always be a priority. Look at your hunting area and highlight all of the spots that are designated as public. There are a variety of online resources that can make this easier, although you may have to pay to register. However, with a small payment, you could find yourself in thousands of acres of fresh new land to hunt in. Remember to scout before the season begins, and you’ll have a much better chance of bagging your prey.
2. Hike Further
The more that you go off the beaten track, the better. For most hunters, their time is limited to weekends and after-work hunting, and that means long treks into more remote areas are very difficult. For hunters with a little more time to spare, you will dramatically improve your chances of finding what you’re looking for by heading a little deeper into the wild.
3. Dress for the Occasion
Winter hunting is very different from other seasons. While you’ll always have to make sure that you have the right clothing, this becomes much more vital over the colder months. If you want to spend more time in the field and less time huddled in your tent with blankets and soup, then having the right hunt wear is essential. Always invest in the best cold weather hunting clothes so that you get to spend more time hunting and less time shivering. Never underestimate just how low temperatures can drop, and always wear high-quality hunting gear.
4. Use Technology
Old-school hunters might disagree, but there is a wealth of modern technology available that can help you get more from hunting season. Trail cameras are particularly helpful and can be used to measure the number of hunters that are using the same trails as you just as easily as they can identify animal traffic. You might also want to consider buying some modern scent control items as well. If you really want to get more from hunting season, you might also want to look at some high-tech calling systems as well.
For a more successful hunt in any season, preparation is always essential. In winter, there are added risks that need addressing. If you want to spend the colder months with an ever-growing number of successful kills, then take the time to get things right long before you head off. Wait too late to get your prep done and you’ll show up to hunting season without a hope of reaching your goals.