For many hunters, early summer feels like the offseason—but for die-hard bowhunters, it’s prime time to prep, practice, and even hit the field in certain states where opportunities still exist. Whether you’re chasing wild hogs, exotics, or just fine-tuning your skills for the fall, early summer bowhunting is a window of opportunity that rewards those who stay sharp year-round. Let’s break down the gear you need, the best strategies for success, and the top “hot zones” across the U.S. where summer bowhunting is not just possible—but productive.
Gear Up: What You Really Need for Early Summer Bowhunting
🎯 1. Lightweight, Breathable Camo
Early summer means warm temps and often humid conditions. Ditch the heavyweight layers and invest in lightweight camo that wicks moisture, breathes well, and offers UV protection. Brands like Sitka, Kryptek, and First Lite offer solid early-season options designed for heat and stealth.
Pro tip: Opt for camouflage patterns that match green-up vegetation—brown winter patterns can stand out like a sore thumb in lush summer woods.
🏹 2. Bow Maintenance & Tuning
Summer’s the perfect time to dial in your gear:
- Restring or wax your bowstring if it’s frayed or dried out.
- Check limb bolts, cams, and peep sight alignment.
- Re-sight your pins for broadhead flight consistency.
Nothing ruins a hunt faster than gear failure—especially in humid, dusty, or wet conditions common in early summer.
🐾 3. Insect Control
Mosquitos, ticks, and chiggers are in full force this time of year. Use scent-free permethrin on clothes and DEET or natural sprays on exposed skin. Thermacell devices are gold in the South.
🌒 4. Night Gear for Hogs & Exotics
If you’re hunting nocturnal game like feral hogs:
- Invest in a quality red or green bow-mounted light.
- Use a rangefinder with low-light capability.
- Consider a thermal monocular if budget allows—it’s game-changing for spotting movement before the shot.
Strategic Moves: Hunting Smarter in Summer Heat
🌿 1. Hunt Early and Late
With rising temperatures, most game animals shift their activity to dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Target bedding-to-feeding transitions in the first and last 90 minutes of daylight. If nighttime hunting is legal in your area (especially for hogs), go nocturnal.
💧 2. Key In on Water
When temps hit the 80s and 90s, water sources become goldmines. Check:
- Creek crossings
- Stock tanks
- Hidden seeps or low-lying mud holes
Deer, hogs, and even predators will frequent these areas in the early summer heat.
📍 3. Use Trail Cameras to Your Advantage
Set up trail cameras in early June to monitor movement patterns. Place them on:
- Waterholes
- Trails between thick bedding and food sources
- Mineral licks (if legal in your state)
This intel becomes invaluable when deciding where to sit during hot, slow hunts.
🌬️ 4. Play the Wind Religiously
Thermals are tricky in summer—warm ground air rises fast in the morning, but temperature changes can cause quick reversals in the evening. Keep an eye on wind apps and use smoke bottles or milkweed to double-check wind on-site.
Hot Zones: Where to Bowhunt in Early Summer
While most traditional big-game seasons are still closed, some states offer incredible early summer bowhunting opportunities:
🌵 Texas (Feral Hogs, Axis Deer, Blackbuck)
Texas is the holy grail for summer bowhunters. With no closed season on hogs and exotics, you can hunt nearly year-round. Many outfitters offer semi-guided hunts on private ranches with high success rates.
🐗 Florida (Wild Boar & Open Archery Zones)
In parts of Florida, feral hogs can be hunted year-round. The hot, swampy conditions can be brutal—but the action is often fast and close, especially near water sources or feeders.
🦌 Hawaii (Axis Deer, Mouflon Sheep)
Maui and Lanai offer incredible public land bowhunting for axis deer and sheep, often with summer peaks in rutting activity. It’s a true bowhunter’s adventure.
🏹 California (Blacktail Deer – A-Zone Archery)
Parts of California open to archery for blacktail deer as early as July. The terrain is rugged and hot, but it’s a fantastic test of early-season skills.
Bonus: Early Summer Is Prime Time for Prep
Even if your local seasons aren’t open, don’t sleep on summer. This is the time to:
- Hone your shooting form in real hunting conditions (standing, kneeling, angled shots)
- Scout your fall areas before foliage gets too thick
- Try new gear in real-world heat and humidity
- Work on fitness and stealth—especially for backcountry elk hunters
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Heat, Reap the Reward
Early summer bowhunting isn’t just about filling tags—it’s about sharpening your edge. It’s a chance to get out, stay in tune with the woods, and test your limits in warm-weather conditions that most hunters shy away from. With the right gear, smart strategies, and a few hot zone destinations in mind, you can turn early summer into one of your most rewarding hunting windows of the year.
Stay quiet. Stay cool. Stay deadly.
