Vikki trout advises starting your preparations early for the fall deer season.

Preparing for the annual deer season is an exciting time. Early season does not require as many gadgets, but waiting for the rut to arrive is no time to determine that your grunt tube squeaks or your rattling antlers are defective. Let us also remember that our clothing must be washed in our special scent-free, UV-brightener-free detergent, then sprayed with scent killer prior to wearing the clothing. This is also a great time to check for rips, missing buttons, inoperable zippers, etc.

Rubber boots are the only boots I wear in deer season. And I fully realize even they leave some scent, but nothing compared to leather boots. Pre-season is the perfect time to get them out, check for tears and fit, and set them outside in the fresh air.

Trail cameras that were put into use prior to season should have fresh, new batteries and clean cards installed to insure they will last until the end of deer season.

If you hunt with a compound or recurve, you have already been shooting for the last several weeks to prepare. However, those hunting with a crossbow do not require as much time to perfect their shooting. Do not get me wrong—we still need to shoot to insure all is well. It would be horrible to take out the crossbow and discover upon the release of a bolt that our site was off, or something went wrong, and an opportunity vanished along with the bolt we cannot locate.

I was genuinely concerned about practice shooting my crossbow until I researched and found a target that stops a bolt, yet can be easily removed from the target. Ralph Harris, owner of American Whitetail, invented a dandy target that is quite capable of stopping the bolt numerous times at speeds up to 500 feet per second (fps). It is large enough that should your crossbow be off for some reason, there is room for error. I recommend shooting close range (20 to 30 yards) when you start, then increase your yardage accordingly.

Re-familiarize yourself with the crossbow. I shoot a TenPoint Vapor crossbow. It has the 100 percent de-cocking device. That was one of the main reasons I selected it. Another feature I absolutely love is the bow cocks and de-cocks silently. I can silently de-cock my bow before I climb down from the treestand. Arrows or bolts should be checked, and if lighted knocks are used, make sure they are still functional.

Hunting from a treestand allows you the freedom to relocate if necessary. However, we must verify that our treestand can support us. When I take my portable stands down after deer season, I oil the chains before putting them in the shed. When it is time to hang them, I simply check all the bolts and seat. If you have a seat that looks less than desirable, there is plenty of time to repair or replace it. My late husband taught me how to replace a worn-out seat and I will be forever grateful. Save your old camo pants and when you need a new seat, cut one leg of the pants and attach it to the frame. The old seat can be your guide and it is a remarkably simple fix!

If you choose to hunt on the ground, now is the time to get out your favorite ground blind and check the hubs, poles, etc., for defects. Do not use a blind with a damaged hub or rod. It may look safe, but sitting in it for countless hours could create a serious problem if the rod were to shatter and you are in the blind. Once you inspect it, get it to the location you will be hunting to give the deer time to adjust to the distraction in their habitat.

I can hardly wait for the opener of deer season. And, I know that when I fill my thermos and head out, my equipment is ready. Even after all the years I have hunted deer, turkey, squirrel and black bear, the heart still pounds when the moment of truth arrives!

For more tips on preparing for fall hunting, check out the current issue of MidWest Outdoors, available the first full week September at the newsstand or by subscribing on our website.