Updated March 2023
Far too many hunters do not take the offseason seriously. If you want to be successful in the fall, there are a number of things you should be doing in the offseason. Bowhunting is no different from other sports where athletes practice year-round in preparation for a competitive season that may only last a few months. As a bowhunter, it’s important to take the offseason seriously as this will help you enter the start of hunting season better prepared, less stressed and more focused. The following items should be on your mind during the summer months to best prepare yourself for the fall.
8 Things You Should be Doing this Offseason
1. Scouting – Scouting is one of the most important things you can do in the offseason. Collecting data on deer travel, age structure and food and bedding patterns is vital for figuring out where to hunt during the season. Studying maps, walking new areas or properties and setting trail cameras are all great ways scout during the spring and summer months. If you lease or own your own property, you should think about setting up, moving or trimming treestands and clearing travel routes and trails. If you have the equipment and capability, planting food plots in the summer can really pay off later in the year.
2. Improving Endurance – Improving your endurance during the offseason will pay big dividends come bow season. Increased stamina will help get you through those long all-day hunts during the rut. Doing activities such as walking, hiking, bicycling or running will help build cardiovascular endurance for when you need it. Improving endurance is even more important if you are planning on hunting in any of the western where you will most likely need to hike many miles, climb hills or mountains and even pack out game.
3. Increasing Strength – In addition to endurance, you should also make an effort to increase your upper and lower body strength. This can be done through a number of bodyweight activities such as pushups, pullups or sit-ups. It’s even better if you belong to a local gym where you can train with machines and weights a couple times a week. The key here is consistency with your routine over an extended period of time.
4. Shooting Your Bow – With nice weather in the spring and summer, getting to a range or shooting a target in your backyard is easy. Putting in range hours during the offseason will pay off later as your bow muscles will be strong and in shape come the fall. Shooting your bow will also help to ensure that it is shooting efficiently and is dialed in. The last thing you want is to pull your bow out the week before the season starts and hope it’s shooting correctly.
5. Preparing Equipment – Making sure that all of your equipment is functioning correctly during the offseason is time well spent. You should think about replacing or repairing any gear if needed and organize your equipment, so you know where everything is when you need it. If you need to purchase any new gear, doing so prior to the start of the season is best as there is less demand in the spring and summer than there is during the start of the season when everyone else is shopping.
6. Planning Trips – If you are going to be traveling or hunting in other states, you should be planning these trips well in advance. Make sure to meet permit application deadlines, purchase licenses or scout/learn areas. Make a list of gear you may need to purchase and figure out any logistics or lodging needs.
7. Home Projects – The spring and summer months are a great time to catch up on home projects and things you’ve been putting off. Maybe you’ve been meaning to paint a room, make upgrades to your kitchen or remove an unwanted tree from your backyard. These are things you should be taking care of now, so they do not become urgent in the fall. The same goes for your vehicle or other equipment. Plan ahead to take care of major maintenance so you don’t have to waste time in the fall when you could otherwise be in a treestand.
8. Family Time – Finally, you should make sure you are spending time with you family. If you plan on hunting most weekends in the fall or taking an extended trip, this can be tough on your family, especially if you have kids. Make sure to spend time with you family or take a summer vacation so your family will be more understanding come hunting season.
Summary
Remember, what you do in the offseason will a lot of times determine your chances of success in the fall. Hunting for 3+ months straight can take its toll on any hardcore bowhunter. By taking the above items seriously and being proactive, you will be in better shape, more relaxed and ready for the coming hunting season. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!