Alright gang, October 4th is coming at us fast and I’m betting most of you are in the same boat as me.

Frantically trying to get your bow hunting gear prep done while life throws curveballs left and right!

Between the new house chaos, chasing Nova around the yard, and getting ready for this baby, finding time to properly prep gear feels impossible.

But just spending 15 minutes doing a quick gear check while your own pup is passed out on the couch, I bet you’ll find some problems that would’ve totally screwed your season!

We’re talking about the kind of stuff that makes you want to throw your bow in the creek and take up golf instead.

Okay, let’s not get crazy, but you get what I mean.

So grab a beer (I’ll have a water, because…baby), set a timer, and let’s get this done together!

Minutes 1-3: Does Your Bow Actually Work?

Start with the string because if this thing snaps, you’re literally done.

Run your fingers along the whole thing.

You’re looking for little fuzzy spots, cuts, or anything that looks sketchy.

Better to find it now than have it blow up in your face!

While you’re at it, wiggle your rest to make sure it’s not loose, and check that your peep sight is where it’s supposed to be.

Draw it back and hold for a few seconds.

Does it feel weird?

Sound different?

Trust your gut on this stuff.

Nova actually helped me with this step by trying to bite my bowstring while I was checking it. Thanks, pup!

Minutes 4-6: Broadheads That Actually Cut Things

This is a lesson you don’t want to learn the hard way!

Just because your broadheads look sharp doesn’t mean they are.

Test them on paper.

If they don’t slice clean, they’re not ready.

Spin each arrow on your kitchen table.

If it wobbles like a drunk squirrel, something’s bent and needs fixing.

You don’t want one that’s totally out of whack and send your shot who knows where.

Quick tip: if you’re running late like me, most shops around here can sharpen broadheads pretty fast. Way better than showing up to your favorite stand with dull blades!

Minutes 7-9: Your Release Better Not Suck

Your release aid is basically one of the most important things nobody thinks about until it breaks.

Check the trigger, make sure nothing’s bent or loose, and actually practice using it a few times.

Your muscle memory gets rusty fast, especially when you’ve been spending more time assembling cribs than shooting bows!

Ask me how I know…

If something feels off, don’t try to figure it out opening morning.

Hit the range or at least get some backyard practice in.

Minutes 10-12: Tree Stand Safety (Because Nova Needs Us)

Look, this isn’t the fun part, but it’s the part that keeps you alive.

Check every single buckle, strap, and connection on your harness.

I don’t care if it’s brand new, check it anyway.

Your tree stand needs a look too.

Bent metal, broken boards, loose bolts, cracked welds.

Any of that stuff can ruin your whole day (and possibly your whole life).

If you’re using climbing sticks, make sure they’re not falling apart.

A few minutes with a wrench or a hammer is better than finding out the hard way!

Minutes 13-15: All the Random Stuff

These last few minutes are for everything else that can mess up your hunt.

Dead headlamp batteries? Check.

Dull knife? Double check.

Hunting license? Hunting license…and we have a runner.

Make sure you have that license!

Also, quick reality check on the weather.

Pennsylvania in the Fall is totally unpredictable.

Could be 40 degrees or 75 degrees, and being too hot or too cold will ruin your hunt faster than bad gear.

Oh, and make sure you’ve got some kind of scent control situation figured out.

I’m not saying you need to go crazy with it, but at least wash your hunting clothes in something that doesn’t smell like lavender fields!

The “Save Your Butt” Kit

While you’re thinking about it, throw some backup stuff in your truck.

Extra batteries, a basic tool kit, duct tape (because duct tape fixes everything), and maybe a backup headlamp if you’ve got one.

Having a little tool kit could mean heading home empty-handed instead of filling your tag!

Don’t Stress About Perfection

Bow hunting gear prep isn’t about having the perfect setup or the newest gear.

It’s about making sure your stuff works when it needs to work.

The hunters who consistently get deer aren’t the ones with the fanciest equipment.

They’re the ones whose equipment actually works when it counts.

With everything else going crazy in life right now, spending just 15 minutes on bow hunting gear prep might be the smartest thing you do all season.

Plus, it beats the alternative of sitting in a tree opening day wondering why your bow is making weird noises!

Stay Wild!