In 81 days opening day of the 2021 archery season will be here for local hunters. Growing up it was always an Oct. 15 start day, but the change to start on Oct. 1 has allowed some early season action catching bucks while they are still in the late-summer patterns for the most part.

Whether you’re an avid archer or a first-timer to the sport, there are a few things that we all need to start working on. Like everything in my life I use checklists so here is a peak at some the things I have on my preseason list.

¯ Get out and rekindle relationships with your property owners. It’s never too early to obtain written permission for this year’s season. Remember, the early bird gets the worm or in this case, keys to the gate. Often the difference between the buck of a lifetime and a scrub is hunting where they live. A couple hours of homework now can really pay off later.

¯ Look at topo maps for natural funnels, bedding/feeding areas and travel routes. Locate mass trees and areas deer are traveling between food and bedding areas. A picture says a thousand words and aerial photos are readily available on the web. Trail cameras come in handy and can save you a bunch of time and energy during the scouting process. Plus, the trail cam technology has evolved into some truly remarkable cameras at just about every price point.

¯ Inspect your bow, have it tuned and start shooting. Replace frayed strings, silencers and realign peep sight. Strings stretch and wear out so visit your local archery counter and get a tune-up. Trust me, it’s money well spent and finding a good bow shop technician is priceless.

¯ Perfecting a pre-shot ritual through practice will keep you doing the same thing over and over again, and will make sure that when it’s go time, everything will come natural. Field points are fine for tuning and the initial sighting-in process. Shoot practice broadheads and number the arrows. Putting the best fliers in your hunting quiver will greatly increase your odds when the shot matters. Buy your broadheads now to avoid not being able to find the ones you want to use this fall.

¯ Practice like it is gametime each and every time you practice. We don’t hunt in shorts and flip flops, so why practice that way? We all know it is hot, but practice the same way you are going to play. If you prefer hunting from elevated platforms, hang a stand in your yard the same height as your tree stand.

¯ Inspect all your stand now. This will give your confidence when you need it. Examine the overall condition of the structure, nails and bolts of your treestand. Make sure everything is secure and quiet.

¯ Don’t wait until the last minute like you do every year to purchase tags.

¯ A “must-have” piece of hunting gear is a good set of binoculars. I won’t leave home without them. By routinely using them while on stand you will become a better hunter. Remember to practice with them, know where the eye relief is and how to adjust. I know it sounds simple but I have seen more than once when hunters don’t know how to use basic equipment right out of the box.

One of the things I do every year is make sure I spend time in the woods with a new hunter. Make plans on time and date now, because when the season hits, time can slip by. Take a kid or someone new to the sport. Open a door behind you for the next generation of hunters and shooters. It is time well spent and can perhaps be the most rewarding days afield this season.

This maybe a basic list for many. Feel free to fine tune it to your hunting style and lifestyle.