strategy

Hunting Calendar | How to Juggle ALL the Hunts this Fall

Hunting Calendar | How to Juggle ALL the Hunts this Fall

So many hunts…so little time. As Fall approaches, I get more excited for hunting season every day. Fall bear kicks off in late August, then there’s the glory of September archery elk hunting, and of course the rifle deer seasons come soon after that, not to mention what has become one of my favorite little windows of opportunity…the Hail-Mary December archery deer hunt. If I didn’t have work and family responsibilities, I could easily be in the field for close to four straight months in the Fall. But of course, I don’t live that life…and odds are, neither do you.

So you didn't get drawn this year...how to still have a great year hunting.

So you didn't get drawn this year...how to still have a great year hunting.

Every hunter knows the agony and anticipation of draw day. You've done all your research, triple-checked your applications and credit card info, and have the day of the official Game & Fish draw marked on your calendar. That day comes, and you spring out of bed to check your bank account...no hits yet. You come back a little later...and a little later...hit refresh a couple times...still nothing. Then you start seeing social media posts popping up with ecstatic dudes proclaiming their card just got hit and they are going (insert your dream animal) hunting this year. When the dust settles, your account remains untouched by your local Wildlife Management Bureau, and you accept the horrifying truth that you did not draw a tag this year. You now have the option of putting all your gear into long-term storage and giving up, or adapting and finding ways to still get into the field and put meat (of some sort) in the freezer this year.