Opening Day of Bowhunting!
8/27/10

Welcome MTJ Authentics’ newest guest writer! Phillip Culpepper is a producer for the TV show “Realtree Road Trips,” as well as a close friend and hunting buddy of Martin Truex Jr. and Adam “Dupree” Sherer. His expertise is sure to land you that “monster buck” this season!

Early September is one of the most productive times to be in the deer woods.  However, most of the time the hunt starts long before first light on opening day.  Preseason scouting has been one of the most effective tools for bow hunters to get the season started with success.  There are some whitetail addicts that start the next year’s deer seasons as soon as the sun sets on them in the stand on the last day of the previous season. Others start their scouting later in the year.  No matter how you define “preseason scouting,” there’s no arguing it gives a hunter a definite edge over a mature whitetail.

To be successful with a bow, you must catch a mature buck with his guard down. Do your homework – proper scouting and having a buck patterned greatly increases your odds on opening day.  The main goal when early season scouting is trying to find the greatest point of “ambush”  in a buck’s travel route between his feed and his bed.  The most successful way to do this, without disturbing his natural pattern, is with trail cameras or a spotting scope.  If possible, it is ideal to scout with a spotting scope or binoculars, so not to be smelled or seen. This allows you to actually watch the buck’s habits and behaviors day in and day out. This technique is proven very effective if the plan is executed properly.  Some areas won’t allow you to scout in that manner.  Rather than risk bumping a deer from his natural pattern, opt for a trail camera.  If possible put as many trail cameras in a certain area as possible so that you will know when, what time, and where that buck is going. 

Once an established travel route is determined, make sure to hang a couple different stand set-ups for different winds.  Also, when hanging the set-ups make sure to be quiet and that the wind is good before you go in. If you don’t, you could blow everything out of the bedding area.  (Think and hunt smart this is a one shot deal – don’t screw it up!)  Once your stand sets are hung, the hard work is over. Remember, the first time in a stand is often your best chance to arrow a buck. Make sure you have the right wind for whichever stand you want to hunt.  From here on out it’s all execution of the shot and a lot of luck!

Watch The Weather Channel and have confidence every single time you come to full draw… it’s “Opening Day!”

- Phillip Culpepper

Saltwater Anglers’ Fall Season Gear Tips:

· Check all your reels to make sure they are lubricated and functioning properly

· Check all of the guides on your rods for any kind of nicks or cracks that could chafe the line

· If you haven’t changed your line from spring, put some fresh monofilament on (if you use braid, just give it a good once-over)

· Check the hooks on all your lures to make sure they are still sharp and not rusty

· File any dull hooks with the aid of a hook file or sharpener (Check out the Bass Pro Shops® Diamond Edge Hook File in the Product Picks section)

· If your hooks are very rusty, change them out with some split rings and a pair of split ring pliers

-Read more on Dupree’s Excellent Adventure blog