If you're a deer hunter, one idea that you might be considering is going hunting on opening day — the day in the fall in which the deer hunting season opens in your area. Many outdoors enthusiasts choose opening day for the first day of their hunt, and those with whom you hunt may be pushing this idea. Before you agree, it doesn't hurt to weigh the strengths and challenges of hunting on opening day.

Pro: It's Exciting

There's an intangible feeling about deer hunting on opening day that makes doing so very exciting. Because you know this exact date all year, you can have fun with your friends counting down toward it. You can also schedule time off work because you know exactly when you'll be hunting. There can be something thrilling about feeling as though you're getting the first crack at the deer in the area because of your decision to hunt on opening day.

Con: It's Crowded

You aren't the only deer hunter thinking about hunting on opening day, and this can make for some challenges. Depending on where you hunt, you may find that the area is more populated with other hunters than you'd like. A heavy concentration of hunters can scare the deer away and potentially be dangerous if multiple people are shooting from multiple directions in a relatively small space. Given these concerns, some people favor waiting to hunt until sometime after opening day.

Pro: The Deer May Be More Comfortable

Depending on where you live, there's a possibility that the local deer population may be more relaxed and comfortable on opening day. People haven't been pursuing deer prior to the hunting season, so some deer may be less nervous — and this can make them easier to hunt. After the start of hunting season, the deer population will often be more on edge, and this can make them quicker to flee upon hearing or smelling you.

Con: The Weather Might Be Bad

Different hunters favor different conditions, but hunting in the rain can be miserable. When you plan to hunt on opening day and make plans weeks or even months in advance, you have no idea what the weather will be like. It's possible that it's cold, windy, rainy, or snowy on opening day, and while you can overcome such conditions, they can make the outing miserable. If you enjoy hunting in better weather, you might prefer to simply wait until a nicer day.

For more tips on the best times to hunt, you may want to contact a local red stag trophy hunting preserve.