It’s almost here.

Ohio’s deer archery season kicks off this Saturday, September 26. And if you like to do your hunting with string and bent stick, I suspect you’ve already got half your gear in the truck, ready to hit the woods as early as possible.

As you’re preparing the bow, binoculars, hunting apparel and other essential gear, you may want to leave room in the pack for a few extra items that, if you’re like me, could come in very handy.

A camera in the hunting pack can leave you with more than just game at the end of the hunt. Photo by Matt Cunningham.

Early fall in the woods is beautiful, but has its drawbacks. This year, it’s probably going to be just warm and humid enough to make even light camo feel like winter gear. Then there are the bugs that will be around until we have a few good frosts under our belt. Sitting still in the woods with these distractions for a couple of hours is enough to drive anyone to distraction, or at least trigger enough swatting and itching that you give yourself away to every deer in the neighborhood.

So pack something to take your mind off the sweaty, buggy wait. Some hunters I know bring a paperback; that’s a good way to go if it’s sunny out. If, like me, you’re still learning the art of stand site selection, you could get through a library’s worth of hunting literature before the rut peaks. Just remember to keep the book low in your lap and turn pages quietly. And look up every few pages – it would be a shame to miss an early buck because you were reading about someone else’s trophy hunt.

When I’m stand hunting, I like to bring a camera along. Digital cameras are great; with no shutter to click, you can usually set them for totally silent operation. Dramatic shots of fall foliage can be had in the woods by shooting into the rising or setting sun. Again, keep your movements small and you won’t spook game. With the camera on a neck strap, shoot from chest height. You’ll avoid the motion of lifting the camera to your face, and the different angle might give your photos an interesting creative twist.

My habit of carrying a birding guide when still hunting saved the day during a squirrel hunt last week. I visited a spot that was hot two years ago, only to find the woods strangled by briars and the thickest honeysuckle I’ve ever crawled through (yes, I ended up on hands and knees to get out of the stuff). I saw a few bushytails, but never when I had room to bring the rifle up for a shot.

The day was turned out alright, though. The thicket provided cover for jays, cardinals and at least two species of woodpecker, all of which perched within arm’s reach and watched with little fear as I worked my way through the vines. Having binoculars and a guide gave me something to take my mind off the lousy hunting, and I spent most of the morning watching a pair of pileated woodpeckers work over a stand of hardwoods.

Let’s face it: hunting, especially deer hunting, involves a lot of waiting. Bring along something to fill the down time and who knows – you might capture a memorable image that you’ll cherish long after the last of the year’s venision comes out of the freezer.