Another deer season is upon us. How prepared are you? If you know the answer to at least 15 of these questions, you are ready for buck prime time. If you can check 10 of these pointers off, you’ve got a few things to do. If you got only got 5, take a weekend and knock out the rest. Read on to make sure you’re ready for hunting season.

Rifle

• When was the last time you verified your zero on your scope? Confidence is key. Make sure your rifle is still shooting where you last left off at.
• When was the last time you cleaned and oiled your firearm?
• Ammo count! Do you have enough rounds for the season?
• Have you tested your sling, rings/base, scope, or ammo? Make sure you trust any new gear you’ve added to your deer hunting rig during the summer.

Supplies

• Do you plan to use anything that needs gas, propane, batteries, or charcoal? Do you have enough?
• Did you pack enough water?
• Are you stocked on the essentials? Protein bars, trail mix, hand warmers, etc.
• When was the last time you restocked your first aid kit?
• What’s in your blind bag? Make sure you’ve got your grunt call, wind checker, scope covers and cleaning cloth, field dressing equipment, etc.
• Have you applied for your tag? Have your hunting license? Checked your local fish and game regulations for any changes since last season?
• Do you have extra TP? We want everyone to come home with both shirt sleeves.

Camp

• When was the last time you checked your trail camera’s battery and memory card?
• Do you have utensils and cooking gear for camp?
• When was the last time you checked out your blind/tree stand?
• When was the last time you cleared brush on your property?
• When was the last time you connected with your hunting buddies?

Gear

• When was the last time you tried on your camo and base layers? You could have lost a few pounds if you followed Matt Hewett’s Pre-Hunt Workout Plan.
• How are your boots? A Lieutenant once said “Take care of your feet and try not to do anything stupid! Always change your socks!” Always pack extra socks.
• Do you have an extra phone charger and a backup batteries?
• Do you have rain gear?
• Keep those shootin’ hands warm. Throw gloves and hand warmers in your pack.
• Need a sharp new knife for field processing? Emergencies? Cutting rope? Grab one here.
• Stocked up on deer scent/attractant scent? Deer calls?

Land

• Have you scouted land? Need tips for finding land? Click here.
• Using an app? Plug your tree stand locations, blind locations, favorite deer routes, into popular scouting apps like Hunt Stand and OnX.
• Secured your spot on private land?
• Found a prime location for your tree stand?