{"id":3984,"date":"2023-01-20T02:25:15","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T02:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/?p=3984"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:36:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:36:27","slug":"what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do When Deer Season Ends"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>If you&#8217;re like us, you may be wondering what to do when deer season ends. Well, here are our thoughts.<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">If you\u2019re an avid deer <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-is-a-meat-hunter\/\">hunter<\/a>, the end of the season can be somewhat of a sad time. Those experiences both in camp and in the woods are now over. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare for next season, which, if you think about it, is really not that far away.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">From processing meat to cleaning and storing <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" title=\"hunting\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"938\">hunting<\/a> gear properly, the post-deer season checklist can help keep you occupied in the spirit of <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/the-art-of-deer-shot-placement\/\">deer hunting<\/a> even if you\u2019re not actually pursuing game. You may also take some time to reflect on your experience &#8211; what worked well and what could be improved next year? With a little bit of preparation now, you will be ready when deer season rolls around again!<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/#Clean_and_Store_Your_Gear\" >Clean and Store Your Gear<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/#Process_Meat\" >Process Meat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/#Scout_for_Next_Season\" >Scout for Next Season<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/#Keep_Those_Shooting_Skills_Sharp\" >Keep Those Shooting Skills Sharp<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/#Pursue_Other_Outdoor_Activities\" >Pursue Other Outdoor Activities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-to-do-when-deer-season-ends\/#Time_to_Reflect\" >Time to Reflect<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clean_and_Store_Your_Gear\"><\/span>Clean and Store Your Gear<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">One of the most important tasks is cleaning and storing <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-accuracy-of-a-factory-gun-2\/\">hunting<\/a> gear properly. This will help ensure that everything is ready for the following season and that your equipment remains in good condition throughout the off-season. Things like oiling and maintaining your rifle, cleaning your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/improving-accuracy-of-a-factory-gun-2\/\">optics<\/a>, storing your clothes, and taking down stands can help preserve your gear for many years. It will also save you the time of looking for and fixing things when the next season rolls around.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Process_Meat\"><\/span>Process Meat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">If you have the right setup and equipment, <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/how-to-transport-meat-home-from-your-hunt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">b<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/how-to-transport-meat-home-from-your-hunt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">utchering and processing deer meat<\/a> is a cool part of the whole experience. Not only does it provide you with delicious, <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/what-is-a-meat-hunter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">healthy venison<\/a> to enjoy throughout the year, but it also allows you to make use of more parts of the animal than what you can get from a local processor. Should you <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/our-favorite-venison-recipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose to go DIY<\/a>, it can be a very satisfying thing knowing you had a hand in every part when you finally get to eat it. Just make sure you have the proper space, ie. the kitchen table may not work out so well!<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/our-favorite-venison-recipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2045 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla.jpg\" alt=\"What to do after deer season\" width=\"436\" height=\"291\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/12\/elktacos-flourtortilla-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><\/a><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Need Venision Recipes? <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/our-favorite-venison-recipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click Here to See our Favorites.<\/a><\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scout_for_Next_Season\"><\/span>Scout for Next Season<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Start researching new local spots as well as any locations where you may travel to hunt. Scouting potential places gives you a head start on the season and allows you to get familiar with different areas. In fact, this time of year is the perfect time to explore those bedding areas you wouldn&#8217;t dare enter during the season. Post season is also a great time to set cameras to see what bucks survived and what others may be cruising through your area.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_Those_Shooting_Skills_Sharp\"><\/span>Keep Those Shooting Skills Sharp<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Sending rounds down range in the offseason is an important part of the whole process. It helps you become a better and <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/7-ways-to-sharpen-your-rifle-shooting-skills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">more accurate shooter<\/a>, which can help you extend your range and make more difficult shots. Additionally, practicing your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/riflemarksmanship-supported-shooting-positions\/\" title=\"Rifle Marksmanship Supported Shooting Positions\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1730\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting skills in the off season<\/a> allows you to identify any potential problems with your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/rifle-shooting-and-academic-knowledge\/\">rifle<\/a> and even consider a backup rifle just in case.<br \/><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1XR56hP9DfM\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Attending a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1XR56hP9DfM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">long range shooting school<\/a> is not only educational but a lot of fun banging steel at 1,000 yards!<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pursue_Other_Outdoor_Activities\"><\/span>Pursue Other Outdoor Activities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">After deer season is over, many of us think what now? You can only spend so much time processing meat, storing your gear, or practicing your shooting. So what about some other outdoor activities until turkey season rolls around, such as fishing, <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/best-places-to-see-wildlife-in-the-usa-this-summer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">camping<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/blog\/the-basics-of-birding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bird watching<\/a>? Like the solitude of sitting stand, they are a great way to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Any outdoor activity, really, will help sustain your physical and mental health. It\u2019s also another great way to spend time with your friends and family.<\/p><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Time_to_Reflect\"><\/span>Time to Reflect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p style=\"text-align: justify\">At the end of deer season, I often find myself reflecting on my experiences and the things I learned from September through mid January. It&#8217;s always a bittersweet time. While I&#8217;m somewhat sad it&#8217;s over, I&#8217;m also grateful for the opportunities I was given.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Starting now until the season opens again, I&#8217;ll spend plenty of time thinking about what worked well &#8211; such as stand placements &#8211; and what could be improved &#8211; becoming a better meat processor.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\">Taking a little time now to put a plan together helps me get ready when deer season rolls around again. I don&#8217;t know about you, but I can&#8217;t wait to see what it brings!<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/riflescopes\/toric-30mm-hunting-scopes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3976 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Picture3.gif\" alt=\"What to do when deer season ends\" width=\"413\" height=\"53\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What to do When Deer Season Ends<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12093,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2258,2259,2265],"tags":[2591,2647,2795,2797,2958,3004],"class_list":["post-3984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting","category-hunting-rifle-scope","category-rifle-scope","tag-deer-hunting","tag-gear","tag-hunters-life","tag-hunting","tag-optics","tag-rifle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3984","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3984"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3984\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11373,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3984\/revisions\/11373"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12093"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}