A successful hunt begins with careful planning and preparation. The process usually requires more time than the hunt itself.

When hunting with a group, it is illegal in most states to use your license tag on another person's kill.

Here are some steps you should take to prepare for a hunt.

• Educate yourself about the game you’ll be hunting and its environment.
• Obtain the most current state regulations.
• Buy appropriate clothing and gear for the environment.
• Secure lease arrangements and permits (dogs and horses may require a veterinarian’s certificate or a current vaccination record).
• Visit the site in the off-season to prepare blinds and cabin facilities.
• Sight-in rifles, handguns, and bows; pattern shotguns.
• Sharpen your skills at the shooting range.
• Pack extra firearms, scopes, bow strings, etc.