Bowhunting during the late season might be different than early-season bowhunting.

• Practice shooting in the clothing you plan to wear for hunts. Practicing in a T-shirt during August is different than shooting in December with a heavy coat, hat and gloves.
• If you have a bow with an aluminum riser, it will get cold and difficult to hold when temperatures drop below freezing. Consider wrapping the handle, then practice shooting with the wrap to identify any potential issues.   
• Due to the lack of greenery that muffles noise, animals in the area are much more likely to hear you. Sounds such as clinking an arrow to a bow or rattles will carry farther than when leaves are on the trees.
• Hunting with snow on the ground makes deer much easier to see, but it also makes it much easier for the deer to see you. Consider your camo choices, keep your movements to a minimum and remember to hunt into the wind.
• Plan for the cold. Staying warm while sitting still is more challenging than engaging in normal activities at the same temperatures. If hunting evenings, the time just before dark, when the deer start moving, will be the coldest part of your hunt. Use chemical body heaters and hand warmers. Regularly flexing and releasing muscles throughout your body without moving will help you stay warmer, too.
• Deer change their habits and patterns throughout the hunting season, so do some late-season scouting. Tracks are easy to find in the snow, and feeding and bedding areas are easily identifiable. Make sure the deer didn’t move out of your area and plan your stand location using the new information you gather. 

Late-season bowhunting can be a great time to be in the woods if the hunt is planned well. The key points are to have a plan to stay warm, practice shooting while wearing your winter gear, stay concealed and be smart about deer activities during this season.

Also, remember to get your bowhunting fix after the season by joining an indoor archery league. These are opportunities to meet other bow hunters and to keep your shooting skills sharp during the winter months. Contact a local archery shop to learn about the area league opportunities.