2011 Wisconsin Deer Hunting Season Nearing

When the calender strikes August and weather hints with 50 - 60 degree nights, hunters in Wisconsin begin to get that feeling that hunting is right around the corner. While many hunters in Wisconsin spend the summer scouting and mapping deer patterns, getting to this point in the year only creates that greater sense of excitement.

So what do hunters do from now until September 17th, 2011 when bow hunting season in Wisconsin officially opens. Here's a handy list of items to prepare as the next month will fly by.

1.  Scout - If you have been doing so all summer, now's the time to set up cameras, watch fields, and get important information on getting to number two on this list.

2. Set up stands - If you properly scouted and have a good sense of where deer will be moving early season, its time to get into the woods and get those deer hunting stands set up.  Getting out early and getting the stands up well before season starts will help get deer used to a foreign object that may be in their path.

3. Get out the camo - I have heart horror stories of hunters getting their camo out the day before, hanging it outside and hunting opening morning.  They never seem to understand why they never see deer.  Get out your camo, wash it with scent free detergent and grab some foliage in the woods and bag it up for a day or two. The smell of leaves, dirt and grass will penetrate the fibers in the clothing giving your camo a fresh start to the season. Do this two or three times before season and your camo will not only blend in, it will blend with the smells as well.  You may want to put your camo on as well....who hasn't gained a few pounds and out-sized a few pieces of clothing before.

4. SHOOT YOUR BOW! - This seems to be an all or nothing for hunters.  Many hunters shoot all Winter, Spring and Summer while many dont shoot at all until their sitting in their stand opening morning.  Shoot your bow!  Make sure your release is tuned and get that bow into mid season shape.  Missing early season monster bucks is often due to missed shots or a bow that hasn't been tuned.

5. Pack your bag - Pack your hunting bag and make sure that any items you may have consumed the previous season are replenished and make sure calls, scents and accessories are accounted for.  This gives you time to shop around for all the new gadgets and hunting supplies that are created year after year with the best hunting technology.

6. Get your license - Getting your license early gives our DNR the money and statistics they need to help fund projects like the CWD project, herd control(I know) and many other projects that we need our DNR to help manage so that we can continue this great tradition.

7. Bring your kids - If you have young children, don't be afraid to let them tag along.  Teaching the fundamentals without the pressures of in-season hunting allows you to be relaxed and gives you more time to teach and pass on this great tradition.

Good luck this season and stay tuned to Wisconsin Whitetail News for more information and tips as the greatest season on earth is getting closer to opening day!