The deadline for the 2007 big game drawing has come and gone, but this is no time for hunters to sit back and relax.

While they are waiting for the drawing results to be made public in mid- June, hunters should begin their preparation for the hunting season now. This is the time for hunters to inspect their gear and repair or replace it. With cool mornings still upon us, experienced and novice hunters alike should make regular trips to the shooting range and practice their marksmanship.

"Confidence in one's shooting abilities could make the difference between success and failure in the field," said John McKay, outdoor education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Planning a trip to the shooting range can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to scheduling time off and working around family plans. Outdoorsmen who wait too long can find themselves under the gun and end up squeezing in just one or two trips to the range before their season gets under way.

"Make several trips and practice at different distances to get a secure feeling about your shooting," McKay said. "Several outings to the range can boost one's confidence and ensure a sound decision when the time comes, especially for the novice hunter. For the big game hunter, range practice is a time consuming investment and should include the opportunity to use all of your equipment."

Friends and family can partake in the overall hunting experience by helping in the hunt planning process. They should know where you are going anyway.

This planning process is a good chance for hunters to get to know members of their hunting party, and if there are any new individuals, allows them to practice firearm safety together before going in the field.

Even if you used it just last year, carefully inspect your gear to make sure it will still do what you bought it to do.

And don't forget the optics. Binoculars and scopes should be cleaned and tested before the hunting season gets too close and check firearms and bows to see if they are in good operating condition.

Inspecting and testing equipment now will allow you enough time to replace or repair any equipment that may need attention. Too many hunters wait until the week before their hunt and then make a mad dash to the range, or try on those curled up, dust-covered boots and ripped out pants that were long forgotten.

Results of the first draw should be posted by June 15 at department offices and on the web at www.huntnevada.com. By then your gear should be ready to use and scouting your selected hunt area should be on the agenda. Practice at the range will leave you knowing what you are capable of and make determining areas to hunt a little easier. If you are an unlucky applicant during the first draw there may be tags left over for a second draw. If so, that application deadline will be July 2.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. The department's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear.

Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.