[Tuna_]

The season will be here before we know it. Some will even start in a few weeks. I'm really looking forward to that first "Day 1: ___" thread. This forum has become an enjoyable part of bow season for me over the past few years....

So, what's hanging over everyone's head right now? Quite a bit for me....been shooting all summer, and about 2/3's of my general boots on the ground scouting was done last winter. I've got some heavy lifting to do at the only property where I can hang fixed stands. Not looking forward to it. Need to strap on the harness and reposition 3 stands, and replace ratchet staps on two more. New Shooting lanes gotta be cleared as well. Gonna get that done ASAP because that's the stuff that stresses me out most.

Need to put in some miles and hours next week, as I plan on over a dozen potential climber trees on new and old, public and private properties....that's the kind of prep I really enjoy though. The heat doesn't bother me, a good sweat is good for the soul. I'd much rather have all my prep done a few weeks before my heavy hunting starts so I can simply enjoy shooting during that time. Then all there is to do is throw on the camo and climb a tree.

As far as scouting....What's gotta be done? What's stressing you out? And what are you excited about?

 

[Pa.Bone]

I am ready for the opener both in Pa. and Ohio. I only have one stand hung which is normal for me this early and it's in Ohio. I do most of my hunting from climbers so I can be a little more mobile for the wind at that time, but I will eventually put 5 or 6 hang ons up. The only thing I would like to get done is scout and hang a camera on my uncles land in 2B where the season comes in on the 17th.

 

[Bokurkey]

I'm putting up my last rivers edge two man bow stand tomorrow.. and putting out the last go of whitetail no plow. I've been scouting since June 20th. There's some big ones around!

 

[justgrad25]

Still buying stuff so I can focus on my two kids to MYH the archery season this year.
Slow, expensive process!

 

[BassBlaster]

Got one more plot to disc, seed, and cultipack this weekend. That's it as far as preparations go. Continue to shoot the bow but there won't be any human intrusion on my farm till the opener after this weekend.

One of my top 3 hit list bucks finally showed back up on camera this week after being gone since last winter. Should have a few more mature bucks returning from their summer vacations within the coming weeks. Always makes me chuckle when I think about the guys that have been drooling over them all summer long.

 

[Nick F]

Well for me I've got some scouting done for this year. I hiked a good bit today checking some new areas. Saw some good signs. A few trees loaded with acorns.
What do i want to accomplish before the season?

Keep shooting with my son. I'm pretty comfortable at moderate woods range. He's doing very well also but needs to get out also.

Keep practicing with my camera and climbing gear to do some filming this year. Find a few more climbing spots and maybe get out to 5c for SRA early season buck hunt.

Big goal would be for my boy to fill a tag this season.

 

[dpms]

Have to trim my entry paths into my early season spots in Allegheny County for that opener. I have stands already set.

I have a ladder stand to set in Washington County for the rut. Last November I saw a lot of activity at this spot and want to get a stand in there by mid October.

Other than that, I am as ready as I am gonna be unless the cameras turn up something new.

 

[bushmaster]

I'm passing on the early season this year. Just to busy. I did however get 1 stand in last weekend in Washington County. 2 more to go.

 

[cspot]

In PA we have 3 blinds and 5 treestands that are set, trimmed and ready to go. Still have to set 1 more blind, which I will probably do next week. It is only 75 yards from the house, so it shouldn't take long. LOL. Also need to take the seats and put into the blinds, but will wait a couple weeks before doing that.

In Ohio, we have 1 more blind to set and are going to seed a foodplot this upcoming weekend. We have 2 treestands that are set and ready. It is the first year for hunting the property in Ohio, so don't know how good our sets will be. Going to take a year or two to learn the new ground. We did't get it till late April, so I didn't get a chance to do any scouting before the foliage got on and the property is thick cover. My favorite time to scout is late winter.

Other than that the kids and I need to do some more shooting to get ready. With the heat and busy schedules, we haven't done a ton of shooting.

 

[Tuna_]

Sounds like everyone is on the same page; quite a bit done with some finalizations here and there. It's great so many are excited and anxious about getting their kids out. I don't have one of my own yet, but when the time comes im sure I'll feel the same way. I just bought my 12 y/o cousin/godson a recurve as a gift. he took to it very quickly, loves it and is shooting well. Sure feels great to share the outdoors

 

[Hittingguru]

5 ladder stands up and 3 cameras out. Will be hanging 6-7 lock-ons after the weekend in some morning locations. Still need to wash and smoke the clothes, but that can be done in one day. Never stopped shooting the bow from last season, in fact, shot some of my best 3D scores this summer with the hunting bow from the open stakes.

 

[WOL]

Still haven't done all the scouting that I told myself I was going to do.

We have 7 ladder stands out there and a couple more that friends let us use. So I always have a fall back.

 

[steelhead125]

There is one spot I need to check out in the next week or two . Plan on heading down in there with my climber and finding a good tree. Every year I watch buck chase doe down into this area.

Not really worried about spooking anything being that it will almost be two months before I go back in to hunt it.

Still got to get out and check the acorn crop in a couple other areas and maybe look for a couple early season spots to hunt.

 

[JKSCCJ]

I hunt mostly on game lands,I have multiple stand locations but by law I can't put the stands up until September 17th.

 

[Sunrise]

Just itching for it!! September - December is my favorite time of the year. Hunting, football, golf, holidays...so much to do. Can't wait for the first sunrise from the stand on 9/17.