The big hunt is all about preparation

Think about that successful big game hunt you hope to have this year, then seriously consider getting started now preparing your body for all those hills you'll encounter while on the hunt, as well as getting yourself in good enough shape along with the planning needed to handle the chores of field dressing, carrying that animal back to camp for hanging and skinning, then taking proper care of the meat for good eating once you're back home.

Getting your body in shape can't be done overnight, so begin slowly and add to your workout each day to increase strength and stamina needed for the jobs ahead.

Take the time to plan your hunt from beginning to end. This includes scouting ahead of time if at all possible, especially if you'll be heading into new country, so you'll know the terrain along with locations of game trails and water sources.

Make a list of all your camping/hunting needs, from tents, sleeping bags and cook stoves (don't forget maps and binoculars), to whatever food and water you want to have along - you'll never be sorry if you take along more than what you feel you'll need. Make sure you'll be equipped to dress for the weather and be sure you can keep your body's midsection and head plenty warm at all times, including at night (those heat-packets are really handy for that extra warmth when you need it) for comfort as well as to prevent hypothermia.

Plan for safety as well - that should be No. 1 on your list. Safety while on the hunt is of upmost important, as well as is considering that there might be bears or mountain lions in your remote camping area and being prepared to arm yourself if/when needed.

Don't wait until the last minute. Now is a good time to clean, repair and tune your shooting equipment so everything is in prime shape and ready for the job ahead.

Now's also the time to get in plenty of practice with your chosen firearm or bow and arrow to ensure a quick kill rather than taking the chance of merely wounding your chosen animal. To get this needed practice, take advantage of local shooting ranges either at Adair Park or the Foothills

Archery Range (see shooting sports, this column). And when you are actually on your hunt and ready to take that shot, be absolutely sure it will quickly take care of your target animal - that comes only with plenty of practice. If ever in doubt, be fair to the animal - hesitate and don't take the shot.

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HUNT HAPPENINGS

Successful hunt: Congratulations to first-time archery elk hunter, Bryan Mercer, Border Patrolman of Yuma, on harvesting a good-size cow elk for his efforts while hunting recently in Unit 6A near Flagstaff.

Yuma Chapter of Ducks Unlimited: Volunteers are encouraged to contact George Daniels of DU at 726-4248 to assist in the planning for the February 2008 Fundraiser Banquet being held in Yuma. Also check the e-mail duckhunt_00@yahoo.com.

Yuma Friends of NRA: Purchase your tickets for the 15th Annual Dinner and Live Auction being held Oct. 20 at the Yuma Civic and Convention Center. Call Mark Webster, committee chairman, at (928) 919-0900. Anyone wishing to donate tax deductible gift certificates or raffle/auction merchandise are welcome to contact Webster.

Water for Wildlife golf tournament: Call Mike Daily of Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club at 726-5465 for information on this year's competition or attend the monthly club dinner/meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at American Legion, 2575 Virginia Drive.

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SHOOTING SPORTS

Shooting opportunities for all ages are never-ending in the Yuma area whether you want to practice for hunting, shoot for competition or get in on the fun and recreation of the shooting sports.

Shooting ranges for all disciplines are open to the public at Adair Park, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Yuma off Highway 95 while the Foothills Archery Range is located off the south Frontage Road 2 miles east from Foothills Boulevard and 1 mile south on Avenue 15E, then east on the dirt road to the range near the Gila Mountains. Local ranges include:

Foothills Archery Range: Open to all archers at all times, Renegade Archers of Yuma hold archery 3D trail shoots at 7:30 a.m. Sunday mornings for youngsters (always free of charge) as well as adults. The practice ranges is always open for free practice. Call me at 726-0953.

Yuma Trap and Skeet Club hosts open trap and skeet 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays at Adair Park - call Jaime Almazan at 246-8299.

In addition, youngsters can shoot with the Scholastic Clay Target Program with practice at the range by calling Joseph Franco at 246-7157 - ask about the SCTP Team "The Yuma Young Guns". Youngsters can also ask Stan Gourley (344-0740) about the 4H Shooting Sports Program with practice at the trap and skeet range at Adair Park.

Black powder matches, hosted by Yuma Territorial Longrifles Club at 9 a.m. the first and third Saturdays at Adair Park are open to interested shooters. Attend the monthly meeting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the range. Call James Ingram at 726-6632.

Fun .22 Rifle and Pistol practice is open to snowbirds at 8:30 a.m. Fridays at the metallic silhouette range while black powder cartridge rifle matches are held the second Saturday each month by Cholla Gun Club at Adair park. Call Jim Stewart at 342-7392.

Call Paul Lerma of the Yuma Rifle and Pistol club at 783-6766 for information on the High Power Rifle and Long Range Matches being held at the Adair Park big bore range.

IPSC Combat Matches, open to the public, held the second Sunday each month with open Cowboy Matches the fourth Sunday at the Adair Park small bore range are hosted by Yuma Matchmasters. Call John Williams at 317-5139.

Open archery shoots at Adair Park are held by Southwest Bowhunters at 8 a.m. Sundays with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.

The club will also be offering a Walk the Trail Shoot on Nov. 17-18 at the Adair Range. Shooting at 70 McKenzie 3-D targets in a lighted practice range will begin from sunrise Saturday until Sunday at noon. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners in each class.

To pre-register by phone and for more info, call Uschi House at (760) 572-0020, Doc Nichols at 345-1345, or Jeff McCloud at 920-9061.

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Contact Jean Wilson at jeanrenegade@ outdrs.net or 726-0953.