The crisp air carries the scent of the western prairie winds, signaling the start of another hunting season! Hunters across the land are dusting off their gear and eagerly preparing for the adventure that awaits in the coming weeks. While the excitement is palpable, it's crucial to approach the early season with a well-prepared mindset, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for both hunters and their loyal companions.
Gear Up and Get Organized
Before venturing into the wilderness, take the time to gather and organize your hunting essentials. From trusty shotguns and comfortable boots to dog collars (with chargers!) and dependable hunting vests, having everything readily available will streamline your preparation and prevent last-minute scrambles. You can never have too much ammo!
Prioritize Safety: Refill Medical Kits
Hunting carries inherent risks. Hunting with our dogs alongside us carries even more. Ensure your first aid kit is fully stocked and up to date. Include essentials for treating minor injuries in the field, as well as supplies for addressing more serious situations like snake bites or allergic reactions. A few common items in our medical kits that can go out of date is medicine, hydrogen peroxide, and isopropyl alcohol. I went through my own yesterday and I had each one of those items out of date.
Charting Your Course
Familiarize yourself with the area by mapping out your routes and identifying potential areas where you might find birds. Utilize technology like GPS devices or mapping apps such OnX Hunt (code GDIY20 gets you 20% off) to enhance navigation and avoid getting lost in unfamiliar terrain.
Early Season Safety Concerns
The early season presents unique challenges that hunters must be mindful of:
Heat: Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Keep an eye on your dogs and don't push it! This goes double for those of us who didn't do the greatest job of keeping our dogs in shape in the offseason.
Snakes: Remain vigilant and watch your step, especially in tall grass or rocky areas. If you encounter a snake, give it space and avoid provoking it. Avoid the Prairie Dog towns and always know where the nearest emergency vet is.
Blue-Green Algae: This toxic algae can bloom in lakes and ponds, posing a serious threat to dogs. Avoid areas with visible algae blooms and prevent your dog from drinking or swimming in contaminated water. If optional, try and approach bodies of water from the upwind side as the algae blooms can get pushed to one side of the ponds by the wind.
Last-Minute To-Do List
Before heading out, complete these essential tasks:
Inform Others: Let friends or family know your hunting location and expected return time. Turn on your Garmin Instinct service if you have it available and make sure your family has the tracking link.
Contact Local Vets: Call ahead to veterinary clinics in the area to inquire about emergency access and local reports of snake bite or blue-green algae incidents.
Emergency Truck Equipment: Equip your vehicle with essential tools like a battery jumper or portable air compressor to address unexpected breakdowns.
As hunters eagerly embark on another season, remember that preparedness and safety are paramount. By following these guidelines and staying mindful of early season challenges, you can ensure a successful and memorable hunting experience.
I wish everyone a very successful, safe, and memorable hunting season. Enjoy your time afield and, if the opportunity presents itself, try to hunt in a new place with new people. Take a new hunter out if you can and show them what makes upland hunting with our dogs so special!
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