When considering a canoe trip down an unfamiliar stream, consider using the local outfitter, at least the first time. It will save you the trouble of taking a second vehicle, it will save potential damage to your canoe or kayak and it's normally not terribly expensive.

Make sure your blind, if it's cloth, wasn't put up wet with decaying vegetable matter in it. Spread it out so it can dry completely, clean it thoroughly and put it up until next fall.

Now's the time to scout for blind material. Cane doesn't grow just anywhere and modern farming techniques don't leave many whole corn stalks behind. You might want to contact a farmer now to save you a few rows. Just make sure the corn goes to the birds or squirrels, though.

Was last year's lease a bad memory? The best time to find a good lease isn't October when everyone else is looking for wetter pastures. Start asking around now. You might even want to place an ad in some small, weekly newspapers in your area and see who calls.

Thinking about putting in a pit next year? If so think about buying yourself a dumpster. They're already water-tight and definitely sturdy. Then you want to carefully consider where you put it. They're not easy to move.