September in America marks the true beginning of fall for many outdoorsmen. The air feels different, crisper in the mornings, and the first hints of color begin to show in the treetops. For hunters, September is not just another month—it’s the start of a new year, a new season, and the promise of fresh stories. This year, I was determined to make the most of opening day for archery deer season.
Pre-Dawn Anticipation
The alarm rang at 4:30 a.m., though I hardly needed it. I had been awake for most of the night, running through scenarios in my head—where the deer might travel, which stand to sit in, whether the wind would cooperate. That nervous excitement, a mix of hope and uncertainty, is something that never fades no matter how many years you hunt.
By the time I pulled into the farm where I hunt, the stars were still visible overhead. The air was cool enough that I needed a light jacket, a welcome change after the long heat of August. I walked quietly through the field, bow in hand, and slipped into the woods where my stand waited.
The First Hours of Daylight
As dawn broke, the woods slowly came alive. Squirrels chattered in the oaks, a woodpecker hammered in the distance, and somewhere behind me, a turkey called. I settled into the rhythm of the forest, scanning the edges of a small clearing where deer often fed at sunrise.
At 7:15, I caught movement to my left. A doe stepped out of the timber, cautious but calm. She paused to nibble on acorns before continuing into the clearing. Moments later, a second deer followed—a young buck, still in velvet, his antlers short but symmetrical. My heart pounded as I raised my bow, though I knew I wouldn’t take this one. He was too young, a deer with potential for the future.
Watching them move gracefully through the clearing reminded me why I love archery season. The encounters are often close, intimate, and silent. The bow forces patience, and that patience rewards you with a deeper connection to the hunt.
Midday Challenges
By late morning, the deer activity slowed, as it often does. I climbed down from my stand, careful not to disturb the area too much, and walked back to the truck. September hunts can be tricky—the weather is unpredictable, and deer patterns are still shifting from summer to fall. Midday hours are usually better spent checking trail cameras, grabbing a quick lunch, or even taking a short nap to recharge.
I used the time to review my camera cards, which showed a few promising bucks moving just after sunset. That information gave me hope for the evening hunt.
The Evening Sit
By 4:30 p.m., I was back in the woods, this time choosing a stand along a well-used trail that led from bedding cover to a cornfield. The wind was steady in my face, and the temperature had dropped just enough to make sitting comfortable.
Around 6:00, I heard the unmistakable crunch of leaves. My pulse quickened as a mature doe stepped into view, followed by another behind her. They moved slowly, stopping often to test the air. I waited, bow ready, hoping a buck might follow.
Sure enough, ten minutes later, antlers appeared in the timber. He wasn’t the biggest buck I had ever seen, but he was solid—likely a three-year-old with a broad chest and steady stride. He paused at 25 yards, perfectly broadside. My hands trembled as I drew back, centered the pin, and released.
The shot was true. The buck leapt forward, then crashed through the brush. Moments later, the woods grew silent again. My heart was still racing, but I knew the arrow had done its job.
Recovery and Reflection
I waited patiently, giving the deer time before taking up the trail. As the sun dipped low, I found him just beyond the clearing, a beautiful eight-point buck. Kneeling beside him, I felt a rush of gratitude—not just for the harvest, but for the entire day.
Opening day is never guaranteed. Sometimes you see nothing at all; other times, you make mistakes. But this September hunt had unfolded in a way that reminded me why archery season is so special. It is not about numbers or antler size—it is about the challenge, the silence, and the closeness to nature that bowhunting demands.
Why September Hunts Are Unique
- The Start of the Season: For many states, archery deer and elk seasons open in September, giving hunters their first opportunities of the year.
- Changing Patterns: Deer are shifting from summer feeding habits to fall movements, making scouting and adaptability crucial.
- The Weather: Warm days and cool mornings create unique challenges, from scent control to managing long sits in variable conditions.
- The Atmosphere: More than anything, September hunts feel like a celebration—the beginning of months of adventure and tradition.
September symbolizes renewal
As I loaded the buck into my truck that night, I thought about how September symbolizes renewal. Each season starts fresh, no matter what happened the year before. The preparation, the anticipation, and the long hours spent outdoors all build toward days like this.
Opening day of archery season gave me more than venison for the freezer. It gave me a story, a memory, and a reminder of why we hunters wait so eagerly for September.