Some states are only a month away from the start of the early archery season. Many of you have been scouting year round but others may need to squeeze in some last-minute scouting. The two best tips I have for last-minute scouting are (1) put as little pressure as possible on your hunting area and (2) focus your attention on sources of water and/or protein.

For low-pressure scouting, pull out your game cameras. I prefer the Moultrie I-40 or I-45 IR cameras as megapixels are not as important to me as trigger-speed consistency and clarity. These cameras give me everything I need at a price that I can afford to have multiple cameras in the field at one time. I recommend checking cameras every 7-10 days initially, then every 2 weeks after locating your deer. Tripods can also be useful tools in fields and on trails if there are no suitable trees to mount your cameras. When in the woods this late in the year, you will want to use some of the same scent precautions that you would during the hunting season. Wear rubber gloves and boots when checking cameras and spray down camera exteriors with HS Scent-away spray (avoid spraying the lens). The best last-minute scouting, however, is done from long distances using quality binoculars or spotting scopes. Make sure you have good eye relief on your optics; this makes a big difference the longer you are glassing. I use the Vortex Skyline ED series spotting scope and Razor binos. If you are on a tight budget, the 10x42 Diamondback or Fury are also good options.

When selecting locations to either hang cameras or scout from afar, concentrate on protein- and moisture-rich food sources or water holes. Field edges or trails leading into corn or bean fields are great places to start. Deer like to eat the corn silk for protein and beans and stems for both moisture and protein. On my own properties, I have noticed that the deer prefer the food plots planted with AntlerKing Red Zone or Trophy Clover.

Once you’ve located the buck you want to pursue this fall, hang any new stands needed, tune your NAP broadheads, and practice smiling for your early season success photos.

This time of year is when I really start to get the itch for the archery deer season to begin. But with 6 weeks or so to wait, I’m glad there is something to help occupy my time. Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Gander Mountain and many local sporting goods stores host fall classics where you can get great information and deals on your hunting gear. Seminars featuring local talent to television hosts can provide helpful how-to’s on everything from bow setups to scouting tactics and stand placement. In addition to shopping the sales on fall season gear like broadheads, arrows, scouting cameras and optics, be sure to browse the fishing and turkey hunting aisles for after-season clearance prices.

Sporting goods shows provide a unique opportunity to see this year’s new products all in one place. My favorites are the new Braxe fixed blade, hybrid Blood Runner, and expandable Spitfire MAXX broadheads by New Archery Products, the Super Talker grunt call by Hunters Specialties, Diamondback binos by Vortex Optics and the I-45 invisible flash IR scouting camera by Moultrie.

If you are looking for great information on fall hunting, huge sales on your favorite gear, new product displays or just a way to

satisfy your fall hunting itch for another month or so, check out the nearest fall sports show. Hopefully, I’ll see you there in the aisles or at one of my seminars!