The general deer season in Texas is finally here! Hopefully you have had time to make all of the necessary preparations well in advance. However, if you have been busy, or maybe just forgetful, here is a list to help remind you of what should already be done. The good news is even if you are behind schedule … as the old saying goes … better late than never!

1. Box blind check
I guarantee that someone, somewhere in Texas will climb into their old faithful deer stand in the dark on opening morning and find an unwelcome surprise. From wasp nests, to buzzards, rats, coons, snakes, and scorpions, I have personally seen these take up residence during the offseason. Do yourself a favor and check your stand before opening morning. You may need to evict the local residents.

2. Sight check
Some hunters only shoot their guns when hunting. This is not a problem unless something has happened to cause the sights to be off. Although it is not common for a well taken care of gun to suddenly be bumped off, it can happen to you. Just last season, I loaned my trusty 30-30 to a friend to deer hunt. After he missed two deer, we decided the scope was off. He asked me when I sighted it in last. I thought for a minute and responded 36 yrs ago when I was nine! It stayed true for all those years but my luck finally ran out. A preseason shooting session would have led to more meat in the freezer.

3. Shooting and walking lane check
If you haven’t noticed, we have had tons of rain across the state this year. All of this rain helps trees, grass, and bushes grow at an even faster rate. If you didn’t already mow shooting lanes then there is a chance you will be very limited when it comes to shot opportunities. While you are at it, be sure to clear a path to your stand as well. This will help you control your noise and scent while entering and exiting the woods.

4. Stand strap check
If you are a tree stand hunter like I am, then you must be sure to inspect the straps holding your stands and ladders to the trees. Squirrels and rats will chew them in half, they will rot, and tree growth will cause failure. If you want to avoid a trip to the ER or mortuary, check these before climbing and be sure to wear a safety harness and use a life line.

5. Gear check
Before your trip make a written list of all of the gear that you will need and check it off once it is packed. Don’t forget flashlights, food and drinks for camp and the blind, bullets, binoculars, scent spray, toilet paper etc. Being prepared will help make the hunt more fun.
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I hope all of this hunt adds to the enjoyment of the season and as always remember to give thanks to Jesus, who is the Lord of the Harvest and blesses us with the great outdoors.
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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of the Outdoorsman’s Church in Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and outdoors writer for The News.