Summer is in full swing. Hunting season seems forever away, and it’s too hot to go fishing. What is a guy or gal to do?

Now is the time to remember last year and the promises you made to yourself.

Remember dragging yourself back to the truck and promising that this year you would be in better shape? Now is the time to start pounding the pavement or hitting the gym so that you are ready to hike just a little bit farther this year.

Remember tossing your rifle in the closet, promising to clean it in a day or two? Now is the time to break out your bow, muzzleloader or rifle and take some time to give it some love. Clean it up, give it a good look over and fix any problems you find.

Are all the screws still tight? Do you need a new scope set up or new rest installed so that you’re not scrambling the day before season to get it ready? Do you have the ammo, arrows or musket caps you need?

You may feel like you have plenty of time to get your weapon sighted in, but hunting season is coming up. Throw in all the rest of life like your kids starting school, sports, cutting your firewood and football season, and you run out of time really fast. Take the time now to go to the range to get sighted in and do some practice from field positions so you’re ready for anything.

Tags aren’t getting any easier to get. You are going to hate yourself if you miss a gimme shot because you weren’t ready.

How about your other gear? Do you need to waterproof your boots, or buy new ones? Get them early and break them in so you’re not dealing with blisters that slow you down and shorten your time in the field.

What shape is your camping gear in? Is the camper ready to go? Does the plumbing need work? How is the generator? Do you need to waterproof the tent?

Fall is just around the corner, and hunting season will be here before you know it. Spending the time now in preparation will make for a much more enjoyable, and successful, hunting season. I’m not the most talented hunter and rely on the wise counsel of golfer Gary Player, who said: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

How do you get ready for hunting season? Let us know at shootingthebreezebme@gmail.com.