2010 hunting season is over. I made it out deer hunting 3 days last week with no success. I saw 17 does but was hunting a buck only unit. It was exciting to see all the Does for the possibilities of them having bucks for this next season.

Now it’s time to start getting ready for the 2011 seasons! Time to start putting in permits for out of state hunts, Arizona big game applications are due in by February 8th and other states have different deadlines you need to research the state you are interested in hunting.

The next thing you need to do is go through all your equipment, clean it up and inventory the things you will need for next year. Write down what you need to get! If you don’t, it never fails when you get to your hunting camp you’ll remember what you forgot to get. Also make sure to check your bow strings for fraying, this is a good time to have them changed out so they have plenty of time to stretch prior to hunting season.

The most important thing you need to do is to start practicing your shooting, the more you practice the better your chances of success in the field. Most local archery ranges are running indoor leagues this time of year, at the beginning you might think shooting 20 yards at a paper target over and over is boring but it is great practice for consistency and form (It’s a lot warmer than shooting outside also). 3D tournaments are also starting around the state a tournament schedule can be found at The Washington State Archery Association web site http://washingtonarchery.org.

Remember to submit you hunting reports online prior to January 31, 2011, If you fail to do this you are subject to a $10 penalty when you purchase your hunting license, Crabbing winter catch reports are due by February 1, 2011. Both of these reports can be accomplished at http://wdfw.wa.gov/.

Also remember to submit any hunting reports and pictures to the Snake River Hunt Club! Happy New Year and good hunting in 2011

Butch