14 Nebraskaland • November 2023
IN THE FIELD
How's the Weather?
It's fascinating how quickly Nebraska's weather can
change. A snowy morning can turn into a T-shirt afternoon,
so prepare for both. Wear minimal, moisture-wicking layers
into the stand and finish dressing once there. A quick
check of the weather also will reveal which way the wind is
expected to blow. Plan accordingly with stand location.
No Time for Wasps
There's nothing more distressing than seeing a wasp fly
out from under your deer stand seat while you're sitting in it.
Counter this by checking your deer stand before opening day.
This is also the time to check for board damage, and attach
your tree strap to the tree so your body harness can be easily
connected on opening morning.
Shooting Lanes
From your stand or blind location, analyze game trails
and see if there are enough shooting lanes. You don't want
to alter the landscape too much before the big day, but make
sure a safe, accurate shot can be made when the time comes.
Buy a Permit
This seems obvious, but I have rushed to more than one
library on a Friday night to print a permit for the following
morning.
Shoot
Don't ignore one of your most important weapons — your
weapon. For a list of public sight-in locations statewide, visit
OutdoorNebraska.gov, and search "sight-in days." Where
I hunt, deer numbers decrease immediately when the first
rifle goes off. If possible, practice shooting elsewhere to
avoid this same pitfall, and make your first shot count.
Rubs and Scrapes and Trails
Do a quick walk through the woods. Walk parallel to
game trails and look for rubs and scrapes. If there are creeks
moving through the property, where are deer crossing them?
If you know where large thickets are located, stay away from
these bedding areas but look for game trails leading to and
from them. Then, hang your climbing stand or place your
blind within shooting range of these paths.
By Jeff Kurrus
A ONE-DAY SCOUT
If only given one day to scout, do a quick walk across the area to determine game trail locations that travel between bedding
areas and food and water sources.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
Some firearm deer hunters are weekend warriors. Some have been checking trail cameras for months. And some don't plan on
stepping into the woods until opening day. But there are many reasons not to do the latter. At the least, cross off the following tasks
on your opening morning checklist.
