Rifle season for deer checklist

If you're a serious hunter, you probably already scoped out the areas you hunted in the past, strategically hung your tree stands, and dusted off your guns like a million times. For those of you who only hunt once a year, here are a few pointers to make your hunting trip a safe and enjoyable one:

• Take the time to get to know the woods that you plan to hunt in. This will help you get more familiar with the areas where deer feed and travel, and it will lower your chances of getting lost (especially if you're going to hike to your tree stand at night).
• Exercise. Hit the gym and work the elyptical machine for 20-30 minutes a day, take a daily hike in the woods, take a few spin classes, etc. Being in shape will hep you carry that deer if you get one, or track one down for hours if you get a gut shot.
  
• Inspect your gun. Make sure it's functioning properly. Clean and grease it up well.
• Take a few practice shots. Any avid hunter will tell you that you should practice your aim before heading off into the woods. Yes, we kill animals when we hunt, but we want to make sure that our kill is as humane as possible. Why force an animal to suffer? Make the kill quick by hitting the right part of the body (heart or head).
• Let others know where you plan to hunt. Accidents happen, and if you don't let a friend or a loved one know where you're going they may get worried if you don't come home that afternoon.
• Cell phone. If you're lucky enough to hunt an area where you get reception, bring a cell phone with you (keep it turned off) in case of an emergency.
• Pack a first aid kid with you.
• Remember firearm safety and read up on the hunting laws. If you're a little rusty on either or both, you may want to take a hunter safety course. There's no shame being an adult and taking the free class with a bunch of 12 year olds. You're setting a good example for them.
• Leave the beer at home. Alcohol and guns don't mix.
  

If you have any other tips you'd like to share, feel free to add them in the comments below.