It might feel like summer just arrived, but it’s time to prepare for your fall hunting adventures. September will be here before you know it and there are plenty of things to be done to get ready.

If you’re planning a big hunting trip this year, don’t procrastinate. Time spent now will make your hunt go more smoothly and be more enjoyable. Here are a few things that should be on the summer checklist for every wilderness hunter:

Practice Your Rifle or Bow

This must not wait. Ideally, you should have been shooting year round. But if you’ve been in a slump, now is the time to ease back into it. Shoot regularly between now and the season. Get off the bench and shoot in realistic positions. And practice shooting in your hunting clothing.

Get Into Your Boots

Don’t wait until the season begins to find out that your boots give you hot spots or have other issues. High quality boots shouldn’t require much of a break-in period, but you want to start using them now to make sure everything fits and feels great. Better to discover any issues now than when you’re deep in the wilderness.

Pack and Get Dressed

Yes, pack your bags now. There’s no better way to discover problems or missing items than to put everything in its place. Make sure your luggage fits what you need and weigh it if you’ll be subject to charter flight restrictions. Put on your gear, including your bino harness and any other accessories. If you discover any problems, there’s still time to order a new piece or make changes.

Any wilderness hunting trip takes careful planning and attention to detail. You don’t want to forget any critical items, but you can’t afford to over-pack either. Starting your prep now will put you in a confident position before your trip.

For packing tips and other gear recommendations, check out the What To Bring page on our website. Good luck, and have fun preparing for your upcoming adventures!