Cincinnati Travel Sport and Boat Show

We just got done setting up for the hunting expo at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati this weekend.  It never fails, just when I start getting  comfortable  with  winter and cold weather I walk in to set up at a show and all I seem to see are Boats and Fishing gear.  Now I can't wait for summer to be here.  I guess that's what is nice about being an outdoors man, you always have something to look forward to.  Grab you family up, get out and enjoy the show season.  There is nothing like kicking off you shoes and climbing aboard a boat that most people only dream of owning or watching you kid shoot at the children's bow range and climb a rock wall.  Hart Productions puts on a great show in Cincinnati and we will be there from January 19th through the 23rd.  Come out and see us.  Here is the show website for more information. http://www.hartproductions.com/travel-sport-and-boat-show/

Fly by the Seat of your Pants and all you get is a Wedgie!!!

So many hunters sit on their rumps all summer dreaming of the monster buck they are going to kill as soon as season comes in.  What these hunters don’t realize is that true deer hunting is a year round activity that begins as soon as the season ends.  Here are a few ideas to help make sure that you are prepared and not just Flying by the Seat of your Pants in the deer woods.

-          As soon as the season is over, get out in the woods.  This is a great time to scout.  You don’t have to worry (as much) about scent or pushing deer.  You can clearly see what the late season travel routes are and you have the chance to set and check trail cameras to see what you have to look forward to next year.

-          Shed hunt.  This is half the fun of deer hunting.  It is your chance to get your hands on some antler (especially if you just ate your buck tag).  Once February hits start getting out there before the mice and other critters get to them.

-          Before the weather gets warm.  Put your cold weather gear on and practice shooting.  Work out the kinks in shooting form and note adjustments that need to be made now so that they don’t sneak up on you when it is time to make the shot count.

-          In the spring time.  Practice, practice, practice.  You can never get to many arrows down range.  If you need a new place to hunt you had better get on it now.

-          When summer hits, get back out in the woods again.  You still have plenty of time before season hits to make a few scouting trips, set some stands and clear some shooting lanes.  Also in this time be sure to pin down a few entrance and exit routes so that you are not bumping deer trying to get to you stand.  Be sure you have some cameras set and Oh yeah, practice shooting some more.

-          In the late summer, head back out and check those cameras one last time.  Replace batteries and put in a clean card.  You need to start paying closer attention to scent now.  Don’t push that buck out of your area before the season starts.  Then go home and practice shooting again.

-          Now that it is early fall - STAY OUT OF THE WOODS – there is no reason to be in there.  Start checking you gear.  Tune your bow, double check you rifle.  Check everything that you are going to be using in the woods.  If something is jack up you need to find out now, not when you have a 180 class bruiser at 20 yards.

Incorporate the ideas into your yearly hunting routine and it won’t guarantee that you will tag out.   However, it will keep your bow sights from falling off when you draw, your tree stand from squeaking, your gear from getting in the way, missing the shot, or an array of other mishaps that lead to that uncomfortable, unforgettable, unforgiveable feeling of a deer wedgie.