Remember last year when you swore this hunting season would be different? You’d be jacked, your gear would be dialed, and your blind wouldn’t look like it was hit by a raccoon militia?
Yeah. About that…
If you’re behind (again), no judgment. But now is the time to rally. Proper hunting prep isn’t just about scoring that trophy buck—it’s about safety, efficiency, and making your time in the wild legendary (not life-threatening).
So, if your checklist vanished like a Sasquatch in fog, here’s your Gundalorian-approved rundown:
15 Ways to Actually Be Ready This Season
1. Scout your AO (Area of Operation).
Know your terrain like it’s your backyard. Identify bedding areas, food sources, game trails, and set up your trail cams with the precision of a scouting team. Look for any terrain changes or potential visibility issues. Also, remove all the shit you’re likely trip over, step on, get tangled up in, and make too much noise with.
2. Plan your entry and exit like you’re on a covert op.
Use the wind, cover, and silence like weapons. Plan how you’ll move in—and more importantly, how you’ll get out. You’re not just sneaking in on a deer—you’re avoiding spooking every critter in a 3-county radius. Again, remove any branches, sticks, and other noisy “Oh F*ck” items that will trip you up en route.
3. Gear inspection time.
Weapons. Packs. Blinds. Stands. If it can rust, rip, rot, crack, break, or fray—assume it has. Clean and lube your firearms, inspect your bowstrings, and replace any junk. Don’t be that guy with a busted release or a dead reticle on day one.
4. Function-Test everything.
Set up your blinds and tree stands in your yard. Check for squeaks, rust, or sketchy joints. Power up electronics. Replace batteries. Spray with Scent-Be-Gone or deer piss. Pack extras. Double-check your calls—no duck’s answering a kazoo.
5. Stay legal. Stay lethal.
Hunting regs change more often than politicians’ promises. Verify local and state laws for every hunting zone you plan to enter. Get your licenses and tags in order before you head out like a renegade without a cause. Some states are wankers about your license, but taking a picture of it and having it on your phone will probably suffice if the DNR guy isn’t a douche.
6. Got land? Get permission.
If you’re hunting private property, call the landowner now—not the night before. Relationships matter. A handshake and courtesy can open gates faster than any bolt cutter. Maybe a bag of jerky when you get it all processed will be appreciated.
7. Rifle hunters: get dialed.
Sighting in isn’t optional. Know your drops at various ranges, and zero your optics like your freezer depends on it. Because it does. Also, for every 10 degrees of temperature difference, so goes your cold bore shot. Practice in colder weather if you can. Sighting in at 80 degrees, then hunting at 30 makes a huge difference at distance. Colder temps create more drag and more bullet drop (generally).
8. Bow hunters: get reps in.
Practice with your broadheads. Hone your shot placement. Muscle memory is built, not bought. There are no do-overs at full draw. Remember shooting from a tree stand, you will usually hit high, so practice your angle shots.
9. Conditioning = confidence.
Do some rucking, weighted hiking, or real-deal strength training. The woods don’t care about your step count or macros. They demand grit. Be ready to grind and think through if your game runs ½ a mile and you have to drag a carcass farther than your training prepped you for. Downhill kill shot? How are you going to get that deer up the hill?
10. Med check.
Review your meds’ expiration dates and fully stock your first aid kit. Accidents in the backcountry are real—and being unprepared isn’t very Gundalorian of you.
11. Scent control is life.
Use scent-free detergent and hygiene products. Treat your gear with odor-killing sprays. If they smell you, they will ghost you. Period. Still using Drakar? That’s why you never get laid, and why you scare away your hunt.
12. Layer like a tactician.
Base, insulating, and waterproof outer shells—packed and ready. Spare socks. Gloves. Cold = clumsy. Wet = miserable. Both = failure.
13. Share your plan.
Tell someone where you’re going, where you’ll park, and when you’re expected back. Even the baddest lone wolf needs a comms plan.
14. GPS is great. Paper maps are better when batteries die.
Also, consider a satellite rescue beacon. Cell service won’t save you if you’re unconscious at the bottom of a ravine.
15. Wear a harness.
Nobody who fell from their tree stand ever thought they needed a harness. Also, if you do fall with a harness, make sure your phone is in a pocket you can reach upside down. Remember when Luke woke up in the cave on Hoth and was about to get carved up by the Wampa? Well, you don’t have the f-ing Force or a lightsaber, so have a knife, phone secured (or playing Rise of the Gundalorians), and a whistle within reach as you get a free spinal decompression. Tl;dr: how will you get down if you do take a tumble? Make a plan.
Need a Gear Refresh?
If it’s time (or well past time) to upgrade your loadout, the Guild’s got your back. Whether you’re hunting whitetail, elk, hogs, or just want a high-speed, low-drag upgrade to your kit—we’ve got gear for days. Head on over to the Gundoverse and squeeze in a last minute “I love myself” pre-Christmas gift. It’s for the family of course.
We’re Here for Hunters and Hobbyists
We welcome expert hunters, new hobbyists, and anyone curious about game hunting to join the fun. Looking for gear recommendations? Want to plan a badass hunting trip? Jump on Discord with us: our Guild members are always ready to trade hunting stories.
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Safety Note: Firearm ownership and hunting weapon ownership comes with responsibilities. If you’re considering purchasing a firearm or other weapon, do your due diligence. Brush up on State and Federal laws, training and background check requirements, and any permits you’d need. Safe storage and usage is paramount to Gundalorium staff and Guild members.
