When most people think about hunting season, they think about cold mornings, early sits, and time in the woods in the Fall.
But the truth is, the season starts long before opening day, and can be some of the most fun with kids.
For me, spring and summer is when the real work begins.
As a dad with young kids, I’ve learned that preparation matters more than ever. Once the season starts, time gets limited faster than one thinks.
If I want to make the most of hunting season while still being present at home, I have to use the summer wisely and to my advantage.
Here’s what I focus on every year before the season begins.
Scouting Early Makes the Season Easier
Summer is one of the best times to scout.
You’re not dealing with pressure from other hunters yet, and you can take your time learning the land and the animal’s activity.
Things I look for:
• Deer movement patterns
• Trails and bedding areas
• Food sources
• Water sources
• Sign from previous seasons
I generally hunt the same land every year, but even so, simple evening drives or short walks can give you valuable information that may have changed from the year prior. I have shot many deer on my land, and can tell you that patterns definitely change from year to year.
And with young kids, scouting trips can double as family time outside.
Check and Prep Your Gear
There’s nothing worse than realizing something is broken or not charged on opening day.
Summer is the time to go through everything.
I check:
• Bows and make sure they’re tuned
• Rifles and optics (make sure to sight in)
• Batteries in flashlights and gear
• Clothing for wear and tear
• Packs and straps
Fixing problems now saves stress later.
Get Comfortable With Your Equipment
Shooting in the backyard or at the range is something I try to stay consistent with during the summer. Plus it is just a fun thing to do.
Whether it’s bow or rifle, confidence matters.
A few things I focus on:
• Consistent shooting practice
• Checking zero on rifles
• Practicing from realistic positions
• Making sure everything feels natural
The more comfortable you are now, the better decisions you’ll make during the season. As they say, “If you dont use it, you lose it.”
Start Getting Kids Involved Early
Summer is a great time to introduce kids to hunting in a low-pressure way.
As I have mentioned before, at their age, it’s not about hunting yet, t’s about exposure.
Things I do with my kids:
• Let them help pack gear
• Show them trail camera pictures
• Take short walks looking for tracks
• Let them come along for scouting trips
These small moments build interest without forcing anything.
And honestly, I really enjoy having them help me out.
Set Trail Cameras
Trail cameras can teach you a lot before the season even starts.
I like to set cameras near:
• Trails
• Food sources
• Water
• Areas with good sign
Checking cameras becomes something you can even involve your kids in.
There’s something about seeing animals on camera that gets kids excited fast. Heck, It gets me excited also. My daughter especially is always asking to see photos of deer on my phone.
Plan Your Hunting Time Around Family Life
Summer is also when I start thinking about how hunting season will fit into family life.
With kids, especially young ones, I can’t just disappear for long amounts of time. Especially this year, as I will have two month old twins at the start of Deer season.
So I plan ahead:
• Which days I’ll hunt
• When I’ll be home
• How to balance mornings and evenings
• Making sure family time comes first
Anyone who knows me, knows I like to have a good plan to avoid stress in the moment.
Keep It Simple
One thing I’ve learned over time is not to overcomplicate things.
You don’t need perfect setups or expensive gear to have a good season. Some years I have went out and spent a load of money on “extra” items and came up empty during season. While other years I had little to nothing and laid on the ground.
Preparation is about being ready, not being perfect.
Focus on what matters:
• Time in the woods
• Time with your kids
• Building traditions
Everything else is just extra.
Final Thoughts
Summer hunting prep might not be as exciting as opening day, but it’s what sets the tone for the entire season.
The work you put in now makes everything smoother later.
For me, it’s about more than just hunting.
It’s about making the most of the time I have, both in the woods and at home.
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just a successful season.
It’s building a life and traditions that my kids will grow up remembering.
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