Now is the time every year when you can separate the men from the boys when it comes to deer hunters. Like many things, success in deer hunting depends largely on how much time and money you're willing to put into it. And this is the time every year when you can tell just who is serious about filling their tags once the cool air arrives in the Fall. They are the guys who are out there in the hot sun mowing roads and trails, maintaining feeders, cutting limbs, and anything else that needs attention so that when it's time to get serious, there are no questions about everything being ready. And when it's just a few weeks before the season opener, they WILL NOT be the ones trying to find a spot for a feeder, an open spot in a Hunter Education course, a part for their ATV, ammo for their rifle, or trying to get someone to mow and plant their food plot.

Spot on about that Dan. We just got an a new lease after 8 years on our last one. We have 4 blinds to move (will have to cut in roads and shooting lanes) set up feed pens and feeders, again having to cut away scrub oak and mesquite. Alot of work ahead of us in the next month. Fortunately my boys and their friends (mid 20's) will help this ole guy out in exchange for BBQ, beer and some hog hunting! I can tell you my rifles are already sighted in, but will do another check in October as well. ATV is ready.

Maintain it all year around and you wont have all the hard work to do in the 100 plus degree days and no chance for an excuse.

Yep. The work and prep is half the fun. The more time I put in, the more satisfaction I get out of each hunt regardless of whether I fill my tag.

couldn't agree more.... the blood, sweat and beers is part of it.

Does it count if I hire day laborers to do the grunt work for me??

A wise experienced, smart man would have done all the maintaining in the cooler months leaving the rookies to do it in the heat.

It is almost just as much fun for me setting up stands and taking care of the place and getting everything ready, as it is when it comes time to hunt. Just being outside at my land working is a great weekend for me.

Walter

agreed, unless you lose your lease in March and don't find one until July, then no choice.

Heck ya. I took one morning hunt off in January. 28 degrees and sunny. Built my PF pen that morning. 9 panels. Dang smart as opposed to last year building one in late July.

Well a wise experience, smart man would have had a new lease lined up by then..... but I understand what you are saying

Wise men are getting the work done by others.

I'd buy someone a beer if they would mow my plots.....

Can't believe in your 300yrs you've never had hurricanes make all your hunting setups inaccessible in 100degree Aug/Sept.

I remember you doing that, you crazy guy:)).

You also happen across more deer sign during the off season, sign that leads to better choices once the season rolls around. You know what feeders are being hit the hardest, and which ones are being ignored because their owners don't want to take the time to maintain them.

Headed to lease next weekend to put up cameras, move some stands and feeders, fire up a couple feeders, etc...gonna be hot and a lot of work, but I am super excited to get out there!

There is nothing like the preparation before season. I enjoy it almost as much as hunting.

second that. I find myself enjoying fixing stuff sometimes more than some hunts...weird.

Except for when things don't go your way, but then again it makes it that much more worth it. Needed to clear some lanes a few weekends ago but couldn't keep a chainsaw going or a chain on the other one.

I go year around, but try to get the hardest stuff done in the cool months. If you haven't done anything all year long, you prolly aren't all that serious anyhow...

STX, yep, unfortunately after many years managing the lease the landowner passed, but I was fortunate enough to find 4 sections for a new place. We normally get all the hard work done in Feb/Mar. This year will be in the heat of summer!

Tractors with ACs help too

Unfortunately the birth of a baby boy has kept me on the boys side this year and not even sure I will get much of chance to hunt. I hope I do get to get out there but with 2 little ones, it makes it hard to get away. May have spent a lot of money on a lease this year for nothing

Ill be tagged out by the time you boys start shooting those boom sticks...