Hunting season is almost here, and I can’t wait. The tough part is the trout fishing starts improving at the same time. There are some things that you can do to make your hunts more enjoyable and successful. A little planning and preparation ahead of time can make all the difference.

Don’t assume that your deer rifle will shoot to the same point of impact as when you stored it for the summer. Now is the time to get out to the range, do some shooting and adjust the scope. Also, don’t make the mistake of sighting in your rifle with one brand of ammunition or bullet weight and then use another to hunt. Sight your rifle in with the brand and bullet weight that you will use to hunt. Many hunters use up odd, leftover ammo to sight in their rifle and another premium brand to hunt. That is a plan for disappointment.

If you are a quail hunter or rabbit hunter and do a lot of walking, don’t buy a new pair of boots, get out on opening day, and do a lot of walking in them. You will probably end up with some serious blisters. This will result in a miserable day and may take a while before you can hunt in comfort again. Buy new boots well ahead of the season and wear them for short periods around home or on short walks to break them in properly.

If you are going to hunt deer from a stand or ducks from a blind, that means you will be sitting motionless for long periods. If you have a long walk to your stand or a long paddle to the blind, you will be warm and will perspire. It is important that you have “wicking” type underwear that will move perspiration away from the skin for evaporation. This will make your hunt much more comfortable and when comfortable, you will remain still and attentive for longer periods, resulting in a higher success rate. The same tip applies to socks. Cotton is the worst offender for holding moisture. Look for fibers rated with high wicking characteristics.

Most hunters are surprised to learn that hypothermia can occur at relatively high temperatures and perspiring heavily and sitting motionless for long periods in cool or cold weather can drop the body core temperature rapidly. Transporting perspiration from the skin to the outer layers of clothing for evaporation is the way to avoid hypothermia. Wearing clothing in layers facilitates controlling body temperature and is another way to stay more comfortable.

Prepare or purchase a good first aid kit and take it with you on hunting or fishing trips. Be sure to include moleskin. This is excellent if you do develop blisters, and can save a day. A good kit is important if you have hunting dogs, as they can receive cuts from barbed wire, thorns, etc.

Now is the time to check out your hunting apparel to see if anything needs repair or replacing, inventory ammunition and plan necessary purchases, make a note to purchase required licenses, duck stamps, permits, and other details that can slip through the cracks. The last thing you want is to plan a trip, wake up the morning of the hunt, and remember that you didn’t get the needed licenses.

Regardless of whether you use climbing deer stands or permanent stands, be sure to check them for safety and do any upgrading necessary. You may need to replace camo netting around permanent blinds where it has faded due to exposure.

Last, but not least, as we mentioned in a recent column, don’t neglect getting your body ready for hunting season. Do some extra walking, calisthenics and outdoor activities that will get you ready for the stress of packing out that big buck that you plan to harvest this season.

This is the short list for preparation, but I hope you get the drift. Don’t get caught lacking and ruin a good hunt due to neglect.

Make plans now for the Harry Hampton Hunting and Fishing Expo at the Spartanburg Expo Center. It opens Friday, Aug. 22 and runs through Aug. 24. Check www.hunt&fishexpo.com for details. Admission is only $6 for adults.

Contact me at lross3871@charter.net.