misc advice for a newb

[reagansquad]

I'm just a couple months out from my first archery season. Aside from practicing as much as possible, scouting as much as possible, is there anything I should know/be working on now to get ready?

[seth30]

Start shooting at all angles including sitting.  I know its hot out but more than likely you will have to wear long sleeve during the season, so practice with long sleeves, coat, gloves etc.  Shoot every day, make it second nature.  You owe it to yourself and the deer

[wormfood]

Try to make it to some 3-d shoots for life like practice and be prepared to deal with downed game during hot weather.(if hunting in Sept) Be prepared to break down an animal and get it cooled as quickly as possible. Good luck !

[arrowflinger]

Tight up all screws and check for things that might wear out on or during your hunt.

[buckfvr]

Start aquiring your scent control products now......

[shoot-em-dead]

hopefully you have a range finder- if not that is ok.  Start guessing yardages at random and then check to see how close your guess was by ranging it or pacing it. The more you practice the better you'll get.  You'll be suprised at how many times that deer is standing there waiting for an arrow and to pull a range finder is just to risky or you are so close that you think you can't miss the 30 yd shot when really the deer is at 15 yds. This is also something you can do anywhere and just make it part of your day.

[sebek556]

I like to practice on small game before season starts, such as yellow bellied marmots they move and are smaller targets great practice for a spot and stalk hunt. 

[MADMAX]

Climb up on the roof of your house and practice your downhill shots

[Dr. Death]

Get in shape.....shoot......scout.......buy lot's of fun hunting stuff that will make your wife mad.... ..... scout & shoot some more and get in better shape!

[reagansquad]

Climb up on the roof of your house and practice your downhill shots

I live in the city. Pretty sure I'd get arrested for that. 

[seth30]

Climb up on the roof of your house and practice your downhill shots

I live in the city. Pretty sure I'd get arrested for that. 

GO to state land or DNR land and shoot off a rock, ridge or tree stand

[WonkyWapiti]

If you are going elk hunting and plan on doing some calling, practice NOW!  Preferably in front of your wife, kids, and especially the family dog if you've got one  .  Seriously tho, practice practice and practice those calls some more.  Watch a video or better yet get out and observe some elk or deer and begin to visualize taking shots at different angles.  Visualize your shot placement.  Visualize the arrow going thru the animal.  This part may sound a little creepy but may prepare you at the time of reckoning and may reduce the chance of the golly wobbles when you finally get a shot.

[MIKEXRAY]

Have a plan for when you get one !   Buy a good meat pack,  game bags,  butchering kit,  butchering video,  & have an after hours number for your butcher / meat locker.  I also have two huge tubs to haul meat in the camper & ice it down on the trip home.  The time to think about meat preservation is not when the elk is lying at your feet. The better you are prepared the better your meat will end up on the dinner table.   Mike

[carver52]

Like was said, practice everyday.  But, don't wear yourself down so that the next day you are sore or having a hard time controlling your draw.  10-15 well placed shot a day should be enough.  At least I found that for me, back in the day.  If you can get up to more without over straining great.  Shoot all angles.  Try leaning way to a side, twisting around, all kinds of contortions.  Get to a few 3D shoots, they are lots of fun.   Most of all, have fun

[AKBowman]

Start aquiring your scent control products now......

Start practicing paying attention to the wind. If you can get in your area try to make notes of wind direction at certain times of day. If you're hunting a mountainous area read and learn about thermals.

Dont worry about acquiring scent control products...its whitetail T.V gimmicky crap. If you're upwind youll be busted regardless of how much your clothes cost of the amount of gimmicky spray you have on.